Voting in a season of discontent
By Pradip Phanjoubam 22 Jan 2017
Imphal Free Press/ The Hindu
The dates for the election to the Manipur Legislative Assembly have been announced. Polling will be in two phases, on March 4 and March 8. Results will be declared on March 11. A fortnight ago, there was speculation that the election may be preceded by a spell of President’s Rule in the wake of theindefinite economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC), a civil organisation in Manipur which claims to be the apex body of all Naga tribes in the State, but these have since been put to rest.
Blockade numbs Manipur
The blockade is now two and a half months oldandManipur continues to reel under the effect of shortages of many essential commodities, petrol and cooking gas in particular. Petrol stations are shut, but whenever there is some indication that some of them have been replenished for rationed distribution, miles-long queues of vehicles form outside them, sometimes overnight. The market understandably is sluggish and prices of commodities have gone up. Daily wage earners are the hardest hit. Demonetisation has made their trauma even worse. Thankfully, Imphal valley is a fertile, rice-growing region, ensuring that the people have not gone hungry. Had it been otherwise, there would have been mayhem on the streets by now.
Election pundits have been busy interpreting how this sorry state of affairs would play out in the March election. The foremost questions are: Would the hardships caused by the blockade turn the people against the ruling Congress? Would the BharatiyaJanata Party’s challenge become any more formidable because of it?
Significance of Assembly composition
The Manipur Assembly has 60 seats. Of these, 40 represent the valley inhabited predominantly by non-tribal Hindu Meiteis; 39 of these are for the general category and one is reserved for Scheduled Castes. The BJP had hoped it would be able to reap a harvest here, partly because of the community’s religious affiliation. Twenty seats represent the hills and 19 of these are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, after the Kangpokpi constituency in the erstwhile SADAR (Selected Area Development and Administrative Region) hills came to be de-reserved to accommodate its sizeable population of Nepalis. Of the 20 hill seats, Nagas normally hold sway in 11 to 12. The rest are generally won by Kukis and aligned tribes.
Given that the BJP government at the Centre is holding peace talks with the Naga militant group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), the party’s State unit was hoping that it would be able to win a majority of the Naga seats as well with the blessings of the militant group. Its main rival here is the Naga People’s Front, which too would be vying for the NSCN(IM)’s support. The Congress, which once had a lion’s share of the Naga seats, has, in the past few months, been marginalised as the NSCN(IM) and Naga organisations such as the UNC are opposed to it. Many Naga Congress MLAs and former ministers thought it prudent to resign from the party ahead of the election wishing to retain their seats. In Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the BJP are allies.
Electoral master stroke?
However, the UNC’s blockade — which began on November 1 in anticipation of the Manipur government giving in to the long-standing demand for upgrading the SADAR and Jiribamsubdivisions to full-fledged districts — has upset these equations radically. This became even more so after the government, at a cabinet sitting at midnight on December 8 to defy the UNC’s coercive protest, created not just the two districts the UNC was opposed to, but seven by splitting seven of the State’s nine districts.
The UNC considers four of the seven split districts to be a part of the ancestral Naga homeland and was quick to accuse the Manipur government of splitting this homeland, although, as the government contends, how districts can split people is incomprehensible. This is particularly so because the Assembly and parliamentary constituencies have remained untouched.
The worry of the BJP’s State unit amid the current ethnic polarisation is how proximity to the NSCN(IM), an organisation avowed to the dismemberment of Manipur to form a sovereign Greater Nagaland, and the UNC (which many consider to be a surrogate of the former) may alienate its support base in the valley where 40 seats are at stake. The Congress Chief Minister, OkramIbobi Singh’s move in this sense may be an electoral master stroke, not for the splintering or otherwise of any homeland, but for leaving rival BJP on the horns of a dilemma.
This dilemma is visible in the State unit’s muted response to the blockade question, probably not wanting to offend its Central leadership now holding talks with the NSCN(IM). Under the circumstances, if nothing happens to change the nature of this polarisation, there can be no doubt that the Congress’s position is strong in the valley, and the Chief Minister and his team may have found a way to overcome the anti-incumbency burden of having been in power for 15 years continuously.
Other than the valley seats, the Congress will also command sympathy in many Kuki constituencies. It may still win two or three Naga constituencies which had always been its strongholds if voters are not allowed to be totally coerced by the militants. In the party’s favour too is the fact that the State unit of the BJP does not have any charismatic leader who can jolt the confidence of the Congress even at this late stage.
Fluctuating loyalties
But things can change in the run-up to the March election. This happened in the Assam election of April 2016, and even more dramatically in Arunachal Pradesh later the same year, where the BJP installed its governments in both States. In Assam it wrested power from the Congress but only after wooing many Congress leaders to its camp before the election. In Arunachal Pradesh, it did this by engineering the defection of almost the entire lot of MLAs from the ruling Congress after the election. In Manipur too, such a scenario is not impossible to think of. Here too, the BJP is in a position to take advantage of the psychology of weak and dependent Northeast States of feeling safer by being on the side of the party in power at the Centre. There is always the feeling here, among political leaders as well as electorate, that the clearance of projects and Central assistance in lean times will always be smoother if the party that rules the Centre also rules the State.
There is one more factor that has determined party loyalty. The ceiling on ministry size for small Northeast States fixed by the anti-defection law is 12. This includes the chief minister. Those in the ruling Congress, and indeed the contender BJP, who are unsure of making this elite 12 will begin looking for greener pastures. This will also be an opportunity for smaller parties such as the Trinamool Congress to enlist potential winners. IromSharmila’s brand new party, the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), has shown no interest in this kind of politics, but its idealism is still too nascent to generate the kind of wave that wins elections.
Public meeting on blockades and election
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
Hericoun and League of Indigenous Upliftment will conduct a public meeting on the theme “People and elections in the present situation” at G.M Hall on January 24 at around 11 am with the view of the prevailing situation in the state. The state has been facing great hurdles since November 1 due to blockades at arterial routes. Escalating cost of foods and fuels coupled with demonetisation had exacerbated the problems even as an election is at the doorstep.
But instead of solving the prevailing problem, the state and central government are playing a blame game, said Longjam Ratankumar, president Hericoun at their office. He further added they need to address the issue with great attention at the earliest and also respect the initiatives taken up by Goodwill Mission for Peaceful Co-existence to bring the peace in the state.
Ibobi : Govt will not buckle under threats from UGs
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 21
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh’s appeal to militant groups operating in the state to come to negotiating table marked the Statehood Day celebration today. He said the government will not buckle under diktats of militant outfits. Speaking to the 45th Statehood Day celebration today the Chief Minister reiterated his appeal to underground organisations to come forward for peace talks so as to resolve outstanding issues amicably.
BJP defers candidate list
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 21
The state BJP has delayed official release of party’s first list of candidates for the ensuing assembly polls until tomorrow, Sunday, but it did not give a reason. It has been unofficially confirmed that 31 candidates for the state where election will be held in two phases on March 4 and 8 have been finalized two days back.
The finalized candidates include 29 from the valley districts and two from the hill districts, party sources informed. Dissent among party ticket seekers could be the main reason for delaying the official announcement of candidate names, sources said. The BJP Manipur Pradesh was supposed to officially release the list by Saturday.
Congress will be ousted from Manipur: BJP
The Sangai Express / IANS
Tura, January 21 2017: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday exuded confidence that it will oust the ruling Congress government in the upcoming assembly elections in Manipur.
"A month from now, Manipuris will get a great opportunity to get rid of the corrupt and regressive Congress government and Okram Ibobi Singh," BJP national general secretary in-charge of northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Madhav, said.
According to Madhav, the Congress government does not bother about its own people. The BJP made it clear that the party will contest all 60 seats on its own.
"The BJP is not having an alliance with the Naga People's Front and National People's Party (NPP), which are part of the NDA government in Manipur." The NPF and NPP have fielded candidates in some of the constituencies.
Madhav made the remarks while addressing BJP workers after the inauguration of the party's regional office in Meghalaya's Garo Hills region. He was accompanied by BJP national spokesperson and party in-charge in Meghalaya, Nalin Kohli, and BJP Meghalaya president Shibun Lyngdoh besides others.
PRJA open session
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 20
After the first interaction with the youths last Friday, Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) conducted a second open session with the youths today at Oorei Teahouse at Sagolband, Imphal. During the interaction PRJA convener Erendro Leichombam discussed on how participation of youth in politics can build peace and eradicate corruption from the state.
Erendro said that it is high time for the youth of the state to come forward and raise the voice of the youth to change the present contaminated system to a brand new clean system of the state. If we wish to change Manipur we must be a part and act against the dirty politics in the state, Erendro said.
Surveillance to check poll cash movement
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 20
The Income Tax Department through its investigation wing has deployed surveillance and other enforcement teams in all the 16 districts of the state to curve use of black money during the state assembly election. C Deepak Singh, IRS, Additional Director of Income Tax (Investigation), NER, Guwahati and Nodal Officer of Income Tax department for Manipur assembly elections told a press conference at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, Imphal East that the IT department has set up and operationalised Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) in Imphal airport, Guwahati, Silchar, Agartala and Aizawl in North East Region. The airports of Calcutta and Delhi which are directly connected to Imphal have already been under surveillance.
And as per the instruction of ECI, the IT dept is continuously gathering intelligence and keeping close surveillance over movement of cash or valuables or other items suspected to be used for bribing electors during the elections, he added. The nodal officer has appealed general public, voters, various civil society organizations to assist the IT department to effectively monitor use of black money, to effectively control illegal expenditure during the elections.
For the benefit of public, he said the department has opened 24/7 control room and complaint monitoring cell at Imphal.
JD (U) ticket
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 20
The Janata Dal (United), Manipur State Unit has informed all the intending candidates who are aspiring for the party ticket can collect the application from its office at Hafiz Hatta, opposite Oil Pump from January 23 to February 7, 2017, said a release. It further said the form can be collected during office timing from 10 am to 4 pm.
Inadvertently strengthening Cong : Election via the blockade
The Sangai Express Editorial 20 January 20 2017
The United Naga Council (UNC) has already made its point. And it is time they act on the fact that the longer they continue with the economic blockade, the better the prospects of Chief Minister O Ibobi and his party the Congress to come back to power. Or maybe the ongoing economic blockade has already made the upcoming Assembly election a sure shot poll for the Congress and it is this which the UNC should realise. Not the first time that the Congress and Chief Minister O Ibobi have been able to make political capital out of the stubborn stand adopted by some hill based organisations. Remember 2012 too.
Just two years before the Assembly election was held, the State Government under Chief Minister O Ibobi barred the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur and while the Congress stood boycotted in the Naga dominated districts following the Naga People’s Convention in Senapati, it did remarkably well in other parts of the State to sweep the polls like never before. Despite the growing popularity of the BJP and the presence of an alternative to the Congress, the party which has been in power for the last 15 years may just return for the fourth term, given the fact that the election will be a highly polarised one.
So if the Congress is on slippery ground in the Naga dominated districts, it will surely find a healthy response in Kangpokpi districts which has three Assembly Constituencies. It was only in 2015 that Churachandpur district went up in flames after the three Bills were passed in the Assembly, but there is every likelihood that the creation of the seven new districts and the ongoing economic blockade will have a bigger impact on the election this time. More than obvious that the creation of the seven new districts caught the BJP on the backfoot and this could be another reason why the BJP led Central Government has left nothing to chance while pointing an accusing finger at the Chief Minister for not being able to open NH-2 or the Imphal-Dimapur highway.
There could be some truth in this, yet it also stands that trying to bulldoze through NH-2 using the security personnel at hand can lead to bloodshed and violence. No one would want this and this is a point which should not blow over the heads of the Centre. Remember the people coming out to enforce the blockade are ordinary village folks, who probably do not really know the politics of the blockade and the politics of creating the seven new districts. More than evident that the ongoing economic blockade has been viewed through the prism of the upcoming Assembly election and this is one reason why it took the State Government so long to issue an invitation to the UNC for a talk.
It is this point which should not blow over the heads of the UNC leadership. The irony is palpable. On the one hand the UNC is deadly against the Congress and the Chief Minister yet in prolonging the economic blockade they are only brightening the poll prospects of the Congress and another term in office for Okram Ibobi.
Ticket allotment issues likely to turn state BJP office into war field
Imphal Times
Imphal, January 20 2017: As opined by various political expert, BJP Manipur Pradesh office here in Imphal is likely to become a war field with aspirant candidates which had been denied party ticket now revolt. Officially, no announcement of candidate has been made at the time of filing this report, but report published on various newspapers of Imphal area base on their respective sources has made curious to many of the intending candidates.
"Since early morning today I have been receiving calls from various party men inquiring about the list", an important functionary of the BJP said while talking to this reporter.
He assured that the final list for the first phase has been prepared for 31 constituencies but it is not officially announced. Meanwhile large number of supporters of their respective candidates today thronged to the BJP Manipur Pradesh at Keishampat.
Sloagan shouting justice for their supporters were heard shouted.
"It is expected and for popular party these things are common, some will get and some will not be lucky enough", said the party functionary. He said as it is expected the BJP authority had already informed the DGP to provide adequate security forces to ensure that no unwanted element cause trouble at the party office.
Training and rehearsal programme on EVM and statutory items conducted
Imphal Times / DIPR
Imphal, January 20 2017: One day Rehearsal and Training programme on EVM and statutory items was conducted for the newly appointed presiding officers and polling officers of Tamenglong District for the upcoming 11th Manipur Assembly Election 2017 at Indoor Stadium in Tamenlong District Headquarter.
Speaking on the occasion, S.D.O.of Khoupum David talked about the role of presiding officer and polling officer. He also further explained about the complex cases that may crop up during polling day and during elections. Gonguilu Gangmei, SDO of Nungba elaborated the process of how to handle the EVM machine through audio visual medium in a very simple and systematic way.
She also further interacted with the newly appointed presiding officer and polling officer regarding handling of special situations such as challenged votes, tendered votes, proxy votes, natural calamities, riots, and booth capturing. The training and rehearsal programme was attended by Tamenglong DC Marachan Luikham, SDO Tamei, Kachamthai Gangmei, and District election officer D Meidinbui. Around 200 people participated in the training programme.
Talks and venue
The Imphal Free Press editorial, 20 Jan 2017
A few questions have come to the fore in the recent endeavour to engage United Naga Council (UNC) and the state government in a dialogue. First, what is there to talk about in the issue of lifting the economic blockade which has been in force since November 1 last. Second, why should the ‘venue’ of talks really matter? Third, why is the central government reluctant to use the ‘special leverage’ it has on the political bosses of UNC? We could go on raising several other questions. We had already given our piece of mind on the first question, in this same column.
There is nothing democratic or political about an economic blockade. There is simply no justification for imposing an economic blockade in a state. The Supreme Court was very clear on this. More than two and half months have gone by and still the economic blockade is in place defying logic and the law of the land. It is not only causing untold sufferings to the common people in both valley and hills but also threatening the social fabric and the shared history of economic interdependence. Yes, the imposition of economic blockade is different from earlier blockades with bullets flying around and deadly ambushes, and of course a steep rise in the number of vehicles burnt. Other than comparing notes on the impact of the economic blockade, there is really nothing to talk about.
The question of ‘venue’ of the talks is indeed interesting. Here also, several other questions crop up. Is there a ‘foreign’ entity or body among the main actors in the proposed tripartite talks? Is it a question of choosing a neutral venue or taking a definitive political stance for setting terms? New Delhi seems to have passed the buck to Imphal, based on its much stated position of ‘state subject’ and also with an eye on the ensuing state assembly elections. As the economic blockade is imposed in the national highways of the state, the talks should happen within the borders of the state, but in a neutral zone. Senapati is definitely out of question as the owners of the economic blockade UNC is headquartered there and also because UNC has consistently refused to accept the authority of Manipur government. Sometimes, it rather seems self contradictory on the part of a group who continually places its demands at the very doorsteps of a government which it chooses to ignore. And it runs from pillar to post in New Delhi to seek central intervention for its grievances in the state of Manipur.
Now again, the reluctance of the BJP government at New Delhi to use its ‘special leverage’ reeks of political opportunism in the backdrop of an ‘imagined’ political space in view of the ensuing Manipur assembly elections. Somehow, the ruling party at the Centre has failed to grasp the changing political winds in the state as a defiant Congress government took a tough stance against detractors and champions of disintegration. BJP seems to think that it can still bank on the plank of rooting out a corrupt state government in the ensuing elections. Yes, everyone is fed up of the uninterrupted fifteen years of corruption and nepotism under chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and had been longing for a change in the event of a viable alternative.
But, BJP has failed to capitalize on the corruption scams haunting the state in the light of a favourable government at the Centre or to prop up an attractive option before the Manipur public. The party seems to have missed the broader picture in Manipur where people zealously guard the edifice called Manipur and would thwart any attempt to disintegrate it. They are even willing to lay down their lives for the sake of territorial integrity. They hate and detest corruption, but they love Manipur more.
ASUK boycotts R-Day celebration
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
A proscribed Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) has boycotted the celebration of forthcoming 68th Indian Republic Day in Western South-East Asia (WESEA) region on January 26. However, emergency services, media and religious activities will be exempted. ASUK was formed by Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup (KYKL) and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) as constituent units.
In a statement, Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak publicity committee convenor S Mangal claimed that WESEA region was forcibly occupied by Indian colonial forces. Then, Indian constitutions have been implementing since January 26, 1950. It said, “India has been colonizing the WESEA by forcibly implementing the Indian Constitution since January 26, 1950. However, the people of WESEA who dreamt of creating a new democratic society based on Liberty, Equality and Fraternity has been opposing the celebration of the Indian Republic Day”.
“India has been creating intense horizontal conflict among the different indigenous communities as a principal contradiction while suppressing the Indo-WESEA vertical conflict which is the principal contradiction” it contended.
The release further continued that, “The citizens of the Western South-East Asia region have to understand the colonial structure of Indain government and urged the citizens of the region to fight together against the juggernaut of Indian Colonialism to save the indigenous identities of the community from extinction”.
“The Mainland Indians could not consider Mongoliods as Indians and as a result frequent racial discriminations has been taking place in various Indian metropolitan cities and will continue”, it concluded.
Rajnath to help end eco blockade
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
The Union Home Minister Rajnath has assured all possible steps to help end the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur. Rajnath Singh gave the assurance to a visiting delegation of the Joint Forum for Peace, Manipur (JFP) led by United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Elangbam Johnson today at New Delhi. The 17-member delegation met the Union Home Minister today morning at 9.45 am for about 45 minutes at his office in North Block, according to sources.
The delegation included members of state civil society organizations including UCM, AMUCO, CSSK, All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee, Kabui Mothers Association, Kuki Inpi Manipur and All Tribal Students Association Manipur (ATSUM). Sources said, the Manipur delegation apprised the home minister on the impact of the UNC imposed economic blockade on the highways of the state while seeking central intervention to facilitate the lifting of the economic blockade.
Voter awareness at Imphal market
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
With the objective to render awareness among general market vendors and general public on how to operate EVM and VVPAT for casting their votes on the poll day for the ensuing assembly election 2017, District Election Officer, Imphal West today organised EVM and VVPAT familiarization campaign in and around the Khwairamband Bazar today.
Returning officers of Thangmeiband A/c and Sagolband A/c was the officer in charge of the said campaign. Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District Robert Singh Kshetrimayum as District Election Officer, Imphal West who was present at the spot said that the EVM and VVPAT familiarization campaign is to promote free and fair election in the upcoming election.
BJP names first list of candidates
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2017: The Central Election Committee of the BJP which met this evening at New Delhi to work out the candidate list for the coming Assembly polls has reportedly chosen 32 candidates in the first list, said a reliable source.
State unit president of the BJP, K Bhabananda, general secretary and MLA Th Bishwajit and convenor of the Election Management Committee Th Chaoba were present at the CEC meeting.
The official list of the candidates named will be issued tomorrow.
According to a reliable source, the names of only 29 candidates who have been named could be confirmed at the time of going to press late in the evening today.
The 29 are N Biren (Hein-gang AC), Y Erabot (Wang- khei AC), O Joy (Langthabal AC), Sh Premananda Sharma (Patsoi AC), Kikhonbou Newmai (Tamei AC), Shangba (Sugnu AC) Francis Ngajokpa (Tadubi AC), N Mangi (Kumbi AC), Dr Kh Loken (Sagolband AC), Dr U Deben (Wabagai AC), Dr Y Radheshyam (Hiyanglam AC), Th Chaoba (Nambol AC), RK Shivachandra (Keishamthong AC), Th Bishwajit (Thongju AC) and Seityabrata (Yaiskul AC) .
The other candidates are Yaima (Khurai AC), S Ranjan (Konthoujam AC), Robindro (Mayang Imphal), S Joy (Wangoi), Radha-kishore (Oinam AC), P Sarat (Moirang AC), Asni-kumar (Thanga AC), Anwar (Lilong AC), Rameshwar (Keirao AC), Bhim (Thoubal), Jadu-mani (Khangabok), Hemanta (Wangjing-Tentha AC), Haridas (Wangkhem AC), Dr Nimaichand (Andro AC) and Ibomcha (Lamlai AC) .
Manipur Elections 2017 Polls to be a test for EC due to blockade
The Sangai Express / DNA
New Delhi, January 19 2017: The latest decision of the United Naga Council (UNC) to intensify the agitation against creating seven new districts has thrown up a tough challenge for the Election Commission to carry out polls in the trouble-torn State of Manipur.
The EC sources said the conduct of polling will be uncertain in 30 of the 60 Constituencies if the situation does not improve soon. Polls are to be held in two phases in Manipur on March 4 and 8. The EC's main concern is the delivery of logistics EVMs, booth and election material and the poll staff to 30 of the 60 Constituencies that depend on NH-2 for supplies, and ensure their safety.
The NH-2 is known as the lifeline of the State and has seen the UNC protest for the last 75 days. Wary of the explosive situation, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met Manipur Chief Minister, Ibobi Singh and asked the CM to ensure movement on NH-2 by implementing law and order that is a Constitutional duty of the State Government.
In turn, Ibobi Singh asked Rajnath to use the Centre's influence to placate UNC which is unnecessarily challenging State's prerogative. Earlier, the Centre had contemplated seriously to implement President's Rule but then decided against it after meeting the State representatives and UNC delegation. To carry out polls peacefully, the Manipur Government had asked for 40 more companies (4000 personnel) of the Central armed police forces (CAPFs) to add to the strength of 135 (13,500 personnel) existing companies.
The forces have already been sent to the State but now it may require more Central police forces to ease the situation which senior Home Ministry sources said the Centre will provide if the need arises.
District level training on MCMC
The Sangai Express
Thoubal, January 19 2017: A one-day district level training on Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for media and political parties in connection with the ensuing 11th State Assembly election was held today at Thoubal DC Conference hall under the aegis of the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, our correspondent reports.
The training was organized by the Office of the District Electoral Officer, Thoubal. Deputy Commissioner/District Electoral Officer Thoubal, M Joy Singh who chaired the today's meeting said the training primarily focus on the matter of paid news and political advertisements. Mayengbam Rajkumar, AC to DC, Thoubal, briefed on the certification of political advertisements and urged them to ensure clearance from the MCMC before publishing the same in order to safeguard the Model Code of Conduct.
Mayengba Rajkumar urged media persons not to publish paid news and also laid out the many steps and measures taken up by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prevent such malpractices. He spoke of the need to obtain a certification from concerned MCMC before broadcasting any political related advertisement.
Any political content uploaded on blogs and self account on any social media websites will not be treated as political advertisement. Political advertisements issued on e-papers shall however require pre certification, he stated. Reporters, correspondents from various media firms and representatives of political parties attended the training.
Inadvertently strengthening Cong: Election via the blockade
The Sangai Express editorial
20 Jan 2017
The United Naga Council (UNC) has already made its point. And it is time they act on the fact that the longer they continue with the economic blockade, the better the prospects of Chief Minister O Ibobi and his party the Congress to come back to power. Or maybe the ongoing economic blockade has already made the upcoming Assembly election a sure shot poll for the Congress and it is this which the UNC should realise. Not the first time that the Congress and Chief Minister O Ibobi have been able to make political capital out of the stubborn stand adopted by some hill based organisations. Remember 2012 too. Just two years before the Assembly election was held, the State Government under Chief Minister O Ibobi barred the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur and while the Congress stood boycotted in the Naga dominated districts following the Naga People’s Convention in Senapati, it did remarkably well in other parts of the State to sweep the polls like never before. Despite the growing popularity of the BJP and the presence of an alternative to the Congress, the party which has been in power for the last 15 years may just return for the fourth term, given the fact that the election will be a highly polarised one. So if the Congress is on slippery ground in the Naga dominated districts, it will surely find a healthy response in Kangpokpi districts which has three Assembly Constituencies. It was only in 2015 that Churachandpur district went up in flames after the three Bills were passed in the Assembly, but there is every likelihood that the creation of the seven new districts and the ongoing economic blockade will have a bigger impact on the election this time.
More than obvious that the creation of the seven new districts caught the BJP on the backfoot and this could be another reason why the BJP led Central Government has left nothing to chance while pointing an accusing finger at the Chief Minister for not being able to open NH-2 or the Imphal-Dimapur highway. There could be some truth in this, yet it also stands that trying to bulldoze through NH-2 using the security personnel at hand can lead to bloodshed and violence. No one would want this and this is a point which should not blow over the heads of the Centre. Remember the people coming out to enforce the blockade are ordinary village folks, who probably do not really know the politics of the blockade and the politics of creating the seven new districts. More than evident that the ongoing economic blockade has been viewed through the prism of the upcoming Assembly election and this is one reason why it took the State Government so long to issue an invitation to the UNC for a talk. It is this point which should not blow over the heads of the UNC leadership. The irony is palpable. On the one hand the UNC is deadly against the Congress and the Chief Minister yet in prolonging the economic blockade they are only brightening the poll prospects of the Congress and another term in office for Okram Ibobi.
Manipur yet to sway to the rhythm of the ballot
Economic blockade by the Nagas and currency ban are bigger worries here
by Iboyaima Laithangbam
The Hindu, 19 Jan 2016
Political parties and Independents in Manipur are yet to launch electioneering for the March 4 and 8 Assembly elections. A few started a half-hearted campaign, but stopped immediately afterwards when they met with a lukewarm response.
The reasons are obvious. People in Manipur, as in other parts of the country, have been hit hard by the demonetisation on November 8. Even today, there are long queues in front of banks and ATMs. And after a few incidents of break-in, there has been no cash disbursal in ATMs in remote areas where police and security forces cannot be rushed immediately. Meanwhile, there is still a shortage of small value currencies.
Galloping prices
A bigger problem is the indefinite economic blockade since November 1 imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) that has brought the State to a grinding halt. UNC supporters have completely blocked NH 2, the lifeline of Manipur. Activists stop and rummage through even military trucks along this highway.
“Though the government has been bringing some essential items under armed escort, prices have sky-rocketed to ridiculous levels. Medicines, baby foods and many consumer items are not available in the market,” said social activist Laishram Nanao.
Women vendors resent politicians talking about their election in these difficult times. “We are unable to sell anything simply because Rs. 100 or lesser value currencies are not available. The elected members are not trying to end the blockade, but are busy playing the blame game,” said Asem Bala, who sells vegetables in the main Imphal city.
Nimaichand Luwang, a BJP leader who is seeking ticket for the Andro constituency, told The Hindu that launching large-scale electioneering at this stage would not only be insensitive, but was also tantamount to mocking the people.
“We are concentrating on street corner and in-camera meetings. We are handicapped because we cannot advertise even in the media without clearance from the EC,” he said.
The overwhelming view is that voters will not listen to the syrupy promises of candidates when virtually nothing is available in the market and petrol pumps are dry most of the days.
Lists are not out yet
While the politicians dread going to the angry voters, the parties themselves are not releasing their official lists fearing resignations by those who miss the bus. “The national ticket committee may decide the official candidates as there are many ticket-seekers,” said State Congress president T.N. Haokip. HRD Minister Prakash Jadvadekar said the BJP had received a list of recommended candidates. “The national committee will take some time to finalise the names.”
On an average, there are five contenders for a BJP ticket in each of the 60 constituencies. The situation is not very different in the Congress either.
EC seizes Rs. 64 cr from poll-bound States
Maximum cash, liquor seizures in U.P.; drugs in Punjab
The Hindu/PTI
Election Commission- appointed surveillance and expenditure monitoring teams have recovered over Rs. 64 crore in cash, including Rs 56.04 crore from Uttar Pradesh alone, and liquor and drugs worth over Rs 8 crore from the five poll-bound states.
As per official data, Punjab has witnessed the maximum seizure of drugs worth Rs 1.78 crore (heroine and poppy husk) followed by contraband in Goa valued at Rs 16.72 lakh while such seizures in Manipur amounted to Rs 7 lakh.
Assembly elections of 2017: An overview
By Thoudam Imomacha Singh
Imphal Free Press
As the Election Commission of India (ECI) has proclaimed the commencement of Assembly Elections in Manipur and other four State of Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the stage is set for electioneering in these parts of the country. Particularly for the state of Manipur, the March Assembly elections would be a crucial one, in view of the unconstitutional and unlawful ploy of UNC’s inconclusive “Economic Blockade”. At the same time very amazingly, the Congress Party which has been at the helm of affairs in the governance of the State for almost one and half decades failed to have done anything durable pertaining to the livelihood of the state citizenry. Every minister or all the incumbent law-makers of the Congress dispensation are very proud owing to the absence of a viable opposition in the Legislature, who could initiate a brainstorming debate on issues of public interest like rampant corruption in the state. The Congress remains safe as it commands a massive majority in the “House”. This frame of mind of the Congress Party amounts to “murder of democracy”.
If we look at the fallout of the inconclusive “Economic Blockade” the price of essential commodities comprising foodstuff, fuel, medicine and other various raw materials has gone sky-high. Nevertheless, the state authority remains a dolt, whereas the plight of the common man is up against the wall. At this high and dry moment, the so called politicians and high-ups have gone into hibernation. The leaders of public opinion and the intelligentsia in the state are now astounded due to the invisibility of governance.
Let us, now, recollect a little of the political genealogy of the state since the time Manipur became a full fledged state of the Union of India in the year 1972. A minority political veteran of mass popularity and pragmatism Mohammad Alimuddin was destined to lead the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) Government, the first of its kind after Manipur’s attainment of statehood. At that time the M.P.P. was a political clique of unquestioned credibility. Some of the well-known political names of Manipur were hobnobbing with the said local political party. They resorted to the MPP as their springboard for political propelling and also earn mass popularity. At the end, most of them discarded the party that was their political mentor. To day the MPP remains a “House of Cards”. The current situation of turmoil in Manipur reminds the state citizenry to resurrect and rejuvenate a political party like the MPP. The paradigm of “sons of the soil” may not be irrelevant to the context of the current political development in Manipur.
In a southern state like Tamilnadu most of the Political stalwarts now belong to Dravidian political parties like the DMK or the AIADMK. The late J. Jayalalitha was a charismatic political personage who ruled the state off and on. Her political contender was the grand old man of DMK K. Karunanidhi. He is in frail health on account of his ripe age. Still then he remains the political boss of the DMK. These political leaders dare to tell the rulers at the centre that they cannot middle with Tamilnadu affairs. Politicians in Manipur need to imbibe there political lifestyle. Every time, the political masters in Delhi seldom find the Manipur politicians honourable. This is the crux of the matter of Manipur politics and politicians.
Now, talking about the BJP led NDA Government at the centre, the Manipur Electorate need to do a political retrospection. During the earlier BJP led NDA Government in Delhi 18 Manipuris were martyred on 18, June, 2001, at the prime of their life on the issue of extension of cease-fire existing in between the centre and the NSCN (IM). At that time also there was Congress rule in Manipur as it is today. The BJP or the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre still owes a formal and unqualified apology in the Parliament. Because, the program was perpetrated on the Manipuris as a result the half-hearted conduct of the then Central Government. A number of turn-coat politicians have recently joined the state BJP bandwagon. There is nothing much to say about their conduct but it is a vivid example of their self-seeking frame of mind. Referring to the prevalent inconclusive “Economic Blockade”, the BJP as well as their Government at the Centre conveniently chooses to play the politics of mud-slinging at the cost of untold suffering borne by the common man.
The prolonged Naga Talks between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) still remains inconclusive. However, the Modi Government has taken the initiative to construct the so called “Framework Agreement”, which is very much kept clandestine and yet to see the light of the day. The centre now seems to be a champion of the Naga cause. Then what about other Northeasterners in the region? Let the outcome of the Assembly Elections of March 2017 in Manipur become the harbinger of the amalgamation of the region for a political tranquility.
Election punditry
Imphal Free Press Editorial, 18 Jan 2017
Just two and a half months away from the March elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, pundits are busy interpreting how the sorry state of affairs prevailing in Manipur at the moment following the UNC indefinite blockade along Manipur’s two lifelines from November 1 would play out at the elections. More than in established newspapers, which it must be said are much more cautious, it is social media sites which are replete with such punditries of self-professed seers and visionaries. As expected on any unregulated forum, these discussions and prophesies are now tending to turn into a pandemonium, full of sound and fury but often signifying nothing much. They often also tend to be accusative, hate filled and vitriolic. But even amidst this din, certain core questions have emerged. Would the blockade hardships and ethnic polarisation the blockade has brought, turn the people against the ruling Congress? Would the BJP’s challenge become any more formidable because of it? How would the creation of new districts impact the electoral fortunes of the parties in contention?
These questions are important and therefore a look at the structure of political establishment in the state may be helpful in attempting to answer them. We all know the Manipur Assembly has 60 seats. Of these 40 are located in the valley inhabited by non-tribal predominantly Hindu Meiteis, and 39 of these are general category and one reserved for scheduled castes. The BJP probably had hoped they would be able to reap a harvest here, partly because of the community’s religious affiliation. We also know twenty seats are in the hills and 19 of these are reserved for scheduled tribes, after the Kangpokpi constituency in the erstwhile SADAR hills came to be de-reserved to accommodate its sizeable population of Nepalis. Of the 20 hill seats, Nagas normally hold sway in 11 to 12. The rest are generally won by Kukis and aligned tribes. Again, considering the BJP government at the Centre is holding peace talks with the NSCN(IM), the state BJP was hoping they would be able to win a majority of the Naga seats as well with the blessings of the militant group. Its main rival here is the Naga People’s Front, which too would be vying for the NSCN(IM)’s support. The Congress which once had a lion’s share of the Naga seats has in the past few months been marginalised badly as the NSCN(IM) and Naga organisations like the UNC are opposed to it, and many Naga Congress MLAs and former ministers thought it prudent to resign from the party ahead of the elections, to salvage any chance of retaining their seats.
The UNC’s blockade which began on November 1, in anticipation of the Manipur government giving in to the long standing demand for upgrading SADAR and Jiribam subdivisions to full-fledged districts, however has upset these equations radically. This became even more so after the government decided during a midnight cabinet sitting on December 8, to defy the UNC’s coercive protest and created not just the two districts the UNC were opposed to, but seven by splitting seven of the state’s nine districts. The UNC considers four of the seven split districts to be part of the ancestral Naga homeland and were quick to accuse the Manipur government of splitting this homeland, although as the government contends, as to how districts can split people is incomprehensible. This is particularly so because Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies have remained untouched. Nonetheless, the state BJP’s worry now is, amidst the current ethnic polarisation, proximity to the NSCN(IM), an organisation avowed to dismemberment Manipur to form a sovereign Greater Nagaland, and the UNC which many consider to be a surrogate of the former, may alienate its support base in the valley where 40 seats are at stake. The Congress chief minister, Okram Ibobi’s move in this sense may be an electoral masterstroke, not for splintering or otherwise of any homeland, but for leaving its rival BJP caught in an unenviable dilemma. This dilemma is visible in the state’s BJP’s muted response to the blockade question, probably not wanting to offend its Central leadership now holding talks with the NSCN(IM). Under the circumstance, if nothing changes the nature of this polarisation, there can be no doubt the Congress’ position is strong in the valley, and Ibobi and his team may have found a way to overcome the anti-incumbency burden of having been 15 continuous years in power.
Things can however change overnight. The examples of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh should not be forgotten. In Assam the BJP defeated the ruling Congress, but only after managing to woo Congress leaders to its camp before the elections. In Arunachal Pradesh, it was by engineering defection after the election. There is no guarantee the Congress in Manipur is not vulnerable similarly. The BJP which currently seems starved of any charismatic leader capable of shaking up the confidence of the ruling Congress, can still do an Assam in the one and half months before the elections or an Arunachal Pradesh later.
MNDF extends ticket schedule
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The Manipur National Democratic Front (MNDF) has informed that the time schedule for issuing of party tickets for all intending candidates has been extended till January 30, said a release. It further said any candidate interested to apply can contact during office hours between 10 am to 4 pm at MNDF office, Babupara, VIP Colony, Imphal West.
NCP invites candidates
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Manipur state has informed the intending NCP candidates ensuing 11th Manipur State Assembly Election 2017 that the prescribe form for candidature will be available at the office of NCP, Singjamei Super Market, Radheshyam Shopping Complex during office hours, said a release. It further said the last date for form submission of duly filled in forms will be January 30, 2017 up to 4 pm.
Training on EEM
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The second round of training on Election Expenditure Monitoring for six assembly constituencies of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts was held today at the conference hall of DC, Kangpokpi. The training was chaired by deputy commissioner of Senapati, Arthur C while deputy director (Tourism) and OSD on SVEEP, Election department, Julie Daryal Anal was the resource persons.
All officers and staff constituted under Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), Expenditure Monitoring Team including assistant expenditure observer, flying squad, static surveillance team, video surveillance team, video viewing team, accounting team, complaint monitoring control room and call centre, expenditure monitoring cell, medical team, Control Room and Media Centre of 46-Saikul (ST), 47-Karong (ST), 48-Mao (ST), 49-Tadubi, 50-Kangpokpi (Gen) and 51-Saitu (ST) attended the programme.
BJP first list expected today
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
Speculations are rife on possible nominees of BJP in Imphal as the first list is expected to be announced late Thursday evening from New Delhi, according to highly placed sources.
A high level meeting of BJP central leadership is slated to meet tomorrow evening at 5 pm to deliberate on the possible nominees of the party in the ensuing state assembly elections. Poll dates for Manipur have been fixed on March 4 and 8.
Highly placed sources said, BJP state unit president K Bhavananda Singh and state election management committee convenor Thounaojam Chaoba has been invited to Delhi tomorrow to attend the meeting of the Central Parliamentary Board / Central Election Committee sitting to be held at the central BJP office.
Ibobi calls on Rajnath Singh, Centre expresses concern over blockade
The Sangai Express
New Delhi, January 18 2017: On the request of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh met him here today. During the meeting the Home Minister expressed grave concern over the continued blockade of National Highway-2 causing severe difficulties to the people of Manipur specially with regard to availability of essential commodities.
Rajnath Singh further stated that the ongoing blockade is likely to adversely affect democratic process in the forthcoming elections by hampering movement of people, including election officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been making repeated efforts to find a way to have the NH-2 opened, he said.
Blockade may affect poll process in Manipur
The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, January 18 2017: The election process in at least 30 Assembly Constituencies in Manipur is likely to be affected as a key National Highway in the State continues to remain blocked for 80 days due to agitation by a Naga group. The Central Government seems to be in a fix over its limited options in removing the blockade on NH-2 in Manipur as it is not keen to impose President's Rule and the law and order is completely under the domain of the State Government.
"The highway touches directly or indirectly at least 30 Assembly Constituencies.
There will be problems in campaigning, transporting polling officials, EVMs and arranging other logistics," a senior Home Ministry official said.
Election to the 60-member Manipur Assembly will be held in two phases on March 4 and 8. Even though conducting polls is the responsibility of the Election Commission, Central Government is concerned over the crisis of essential commodities and their skyrocketing prices. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior officials discussed the Manipur situation at a meeting on Sunday but could not find out any solution to remove the blockade.
Rohatgi was of the opinion that even though protection of National Highways is Central Government's prerogative, it cannot remove anyone if he or she is staging protest on it as law and order is a "State subject" .
"We are in a dilemma as to what to do to remove the blockade as President's Rule is not a favourable option," the official said.
The Home Ministry has sent around 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 4,000 of them in last 10 days, to Manipur to help the State Government in removing the blockade.
While NH-37 was partially reopened, there is no traffic movement on NH-2.In a stern message, the Centre had told the Manipur Government last month that it cannot escape responsibility for the "humanitarian crisis" arising out of the blockade and must work to end it, while making it clear that nobody will be allowed to take political advantage of the situation.
Home Minister Singh had written twice to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh asking him to ensure reopening of the highway but it did not yield any result. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju too had visited the Congress-ruled Manipur as a Central emissary. Rijiju had said it was completely unacceptable to have such blockades in which thousands of people were suffering and both the Central and Manipur Governments will work together to end it.
Poll painting
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 17
A painting competition will be jointly organised by Editor Guild Manipur, NCO- Gene, Contemporary Artist and Manipur and Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur on January 22 at Kangla Park, Imphal under the theme “Free Fair and Peaceful Election and Ethical Voting”, said a release singed by the secretary of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) L Joy. It further said the association has urged its member schools to send students for the competition from their respective schools.
Trinamool ticket
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 17
The Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee has issued notification inviting intending candidates who are willing to contest the 11th state assembly election 2017 on Trinamool Congress Party ticket. The notification said, application forms will be available at the party office at Haokip Veng, Mahaballi Road, Sanjenthong, Imphal East from Jan 18 to Jan 31 from 10 am to 4 pm. The last date for submission of the application is February 5, it said.
Local parties line up in Manipur
The Sangai Express / Economic Times
Guwahati, January 17 2017: Regional parties are queuing up to contest the polls in Manipur. Manipur People's Party (MPP), the oldest party in the North East, will will field candidates at 39 constituencies in the 60-member House.
MPP has twice ruled the state. However, in 2012 MPP was not able to win even a single seat. MPP is confident of a good show in this election. Meghalaya's Opposition party National Peoples Party (NPP) will make its electoral debut and will contest in around 25 to 30 seats.
NPP was founded by former Speaker, Late PA Sangma. NPP National executive member and Meghalaya MLA James Sangma said NPP has already constituted a State election management committee.
Union HM invites CM, State Govt opens door to UNC Chief Minister set to leave for Delhi today
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2017: While the State Government has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) to hold a tripartite meeting over the issue of the indefinite blockade, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has invited Chief Minister O Ibobi to Delhi to confer over the same issue. Following the Union Home Ministry's suggestion to hold a meeting between the Government of Manipur and the UNC, the Chief Secretary sent an invitation to the UNC today to hold a tripartite meeting at Imphal.
The State Government has also informed the UNC that the tripartite meeting involving the Government of India would be held on January 23, sources informed. Notably, the UNC imposed the indefinite economic blockade since November 1 last year in protest against the attempt to create and creation of Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts.
Meanwhile, as invited by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister O Ibobi would be leaving for Delhi tomorrow to confer over the issue of economic blockade. The Union Home Minister invited the Chief Minister after a high level meeting was held with many Central Ministers and the Chief of Army Staff on the State's prevailing situation. Governor Dr Najma Heptulla called Chief Secretary O Nabakishore to the Raj Bhavan today and enquired about the UNC's blockade and the State's preparations for the forthcoming Assembly election.
The Chief Secretary apprised the Governor of the scarcity of essential commodities on account of the UNC's indefinite economic blockade. Notably, the Union Home Ministry has already sought a report from the State Government about the militant attack on a convoy of trucks at Lukhambi, Noney district a few days back which left one civilian dead and three others injured.
CHQ told to take specific steps
IMPHAL | Jan 17
High Court of Manipur has directed government authorities to convene immediately a meeting of combined headquarters (CHQ), which is chaired by the chief minister O Ibobi Singh to take decisions to get the blockade lifted. A full bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justice N Kotiswar and Justice Kh Nobin ordered yesterday that the court was not satisfied with the actions taken by the state government to deal with the blockade.
“...We direct the authorities to convene a meeting of CHQ immediately, chaired by the honourable chief minister to take decisions keeping in view the problems surfaced during the period, so that troubled areas along the national highway-2 be identified,” the order said.
Not the time to pass the buck: Busy delivering political points
The Sangai Express Editorial 17 January 2017
It is now obvious to all. No one wants to resolve the ongoing economic blockade, with the Congress and the BJP more keen on delivering political points against each other and the United Naga Council more than ready to continue with the economic blockade. Caught in the middle are the public, the ones who have been directly facing the impact of the economic blockade and it is not at all pleasant. The Assembly election is obviously central to the stand adopted by the two political parties and ancestral land is the cry which has been raised by the UNC and several Naga bodies. If the Congress Government here, under Chief Minister O Ibobi, created the seven new districts, particularly, Kangpokpi and Jiribam districts with an eye on the polls, the BJP at the Centre has been trying to find the weak spot in the armour of the Congress here and in the process is trying to make the Congress pay for it via the sufferings of the people. The political calculation here is simple. Let the UNC continue with the blockade and in the process let the angst of the people turn against the State Government and then reap the dividends when election comes. Or maybe the BJP has a better idea than this, but it all boils down to the Assembly election. On the other hand, the Congress, after creating the seven new districts, wants to pass the baton on to the BJP led Central Government on the pretext that National Highways come under the Centre. Which way the political wind blows, as understood within the parameter of the upcoming Assembly election, remains to be seen, but let it be clear to all that the blame game that one has been witnessing ever since the economic blockade came into force should be seen within the context of the upcoming Assembly election.
Dangerous brand of politics and this is what is unacceptable. The blame game may also be seen in the manner in which the ball has been tossed around in the context of arranging a tri-partite talk between the State Government, the UNC and the Central Government. If the State Government failed to respond to the invitation of the Centre to have a talk with the UNC on November 15 last year at Delhi, this time round, the Centre has not responded to the approach of the State Government to arrange such a talk to bring an end to the impasse. Instead it has deemed it better to let the State Government take the initiative of inviting the UNC to the negotiating table with the Centre acting as the observer or whatever term one may give. Playing politics with the lifelines of the people and there is nothing amusing about this. This is not the time to try and take political mileage out of the situation but for Delhi and Imphal to co-operate and see how to proceed and get the blockade lifted. Not likely that the State Government will roll back the decision to create the new districts and highly unlikely that the UNC will unilaterally take the decision to lift the ongoing economic blockade. The task at hand then will be for the Centre to see how it can negotiate with the NSCN (IM) which in turn can talk with the UNC and see how things may be settled.
Haokip rubbishes Javadekar “outburst”
By B Rakesh Sharma
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 16
Manipur PCC president T N Haokip has dismissed Union human resource development minister, Prakash Javadekar’s demand for chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s resignation on the issue of the economic blockade as “rubbish.” Reacting to the “outburst” by the Union minister yesterday and today against the Congress government in the state Haokip said demanding resignation after announcement of model code of conduct is totally “meaningless.”
“BJP may not be seeing any chance of winning in the upcoming assembly election. Therefore the statement made by Javadekar is nothing but rubbish and absurd. He knows nothing about the ground situation,” Haokip told Imphal Free Press.
Javadekar, who arrived here yesterday to oversee BJP’s preparation for the assembly election, told a press conference yesterday that the chief minister should resign as he has failed to remove the blockade despite more than adequate central forces were provided. Javadekar is the BJP in-charge of Manipur election. Javadekar continued his tirade against Ibobi Singh government for the second consecutive day today.
“Why Ibobi Singh is remaining silent. I am making specific charges on the issue of economic blockade. He is silent because he is guilty and he is a culprit. Earlier he used to react to Union ministers. He is responsible for the sufferings of the people,” the BJP leader said today.
IW continues election exercise
IMPHAL | Jan 16
Imphal Free Press
The District Election Office, Imphal West organised an emergency meeting today with all the district-level officers of the district at the DC’s court hall, said a release. It further said the main motive behind the meeting was to collect the details of the staff/employees under their respective control or offices including EPIC number, Aadhar card, Bank account number and mobile numbers in connection with the ensuing state assembly election 2017.
The DEO, Imphal West Robert Singh Kshetrimayum issued an urgent notice to give the details of all eligible staffs of the line departments that is required for polling personnel per lastest instrucution of the Election Commission of India, the release continued.
PRJA to field 5 candidates
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 15
Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance, PRJA today announced that the party will field candidates in five constituencies in the ensuing Manipur assembly elections.
The candidates are Oinam Iliyash Khan for Lilong A/c, Nazima Phundreimayum for Wabagai A/c, Buwang Kho for Karong A/c, Erendro Leichombam for Thangmeiband and Irom Sharmila from Thoubal Constituency against Okram Ibobi Singh.
Javadekar tells Ibobi: Go, resign
IMPHAL | Jan 15
Imphal Free Press
The Union human resource minister Prakash Javadekar today demanded resignation of Okram Ibobi Singh, accusing him of failing to remove the economic blockade even after “more than adequate” central forces have been provided by the Centre.
“Ibobi government is not using forces provided by the Centre. They are put to barracks. If you can’t deliver, resign. Go, Ibobi go. You can invite President’s rule,” Javadekar, who is also BJP’s Manipur election in-charge, said during a press conference at the BJP head office here today. Javadekar charged that Ibobi led Congress government is playing “divide and rule policy” for electoral gains.
“Ibobi Singh’s poll plank is divide and rule. BJP’s plank is unite and develop. Ibobi Singh and his party are destroying Manipur. Blockades suits Ibobi’s politics,” he charged.
The blockade has only brought sufferings to general public as it has triggered price rise, scarcity of essential commodities and as well as violence, Javadekar claimed. He said in addition to the existing 175 central para-military forces deployed in the state last month the Centre had provided 30 additional para-military forces for removing the blockade. He said that the Centre cannot intervene directly as the blockade is state’s law and order issue.
On the increasing demand for initiation of tripartite talks by the Centre the BJP leader said talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) is the sole responsibility of the state government. The Centre can send representatives to talks between the state government and the UNC, he said.
Stating that when the Centre tried to help by convening a tripartite talk in November Ibobi Singh government did not respond, he said the state government is not cooperative. He however, added that, the Centre is ready to help out the state government on the issue of blockade.
BJP poll panel to meet on Tuesday
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 15
The BJP central election committee will meet on Tuesday in Delhi to finalise the party’s candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections, Union minister in-charge of human resource development and the party’s Manipur election in-charge, Prakash Javadekar told a press conference here today.
Though BJP’s arch rival and ruling party, Congress is in the final stage of finalising its candidates the BJP is yet to initiate concrete steps to finalise party candidates.
“We are holding the state unit’s core committee meeting here tonight. After this the party’s central election committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss Manipur’s ticket issue,” Javadekar said.
It is speculated that the BJP is waiting for finalisation of Congress tickets so as to prevent BJP ticket aspirants to break ranks and seek Congress tickets after some of them are denied party tickets. Each of the 60 assembly seats throws up many BJP ticket aspirants.
The BJP leader expressed the hope that this time BJP will come to power after ending 15 years of Congress “misrule.”
Everyone wants a change in the state of Manipur, Javadekar said promising that BJP will bring positive change with development in Manipur.
NPF to ignore boycott call, contest civic polls
The Sangai Express
Kohima, January 15 2017: The ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) today affirmed not to withdraw any candidate from the February 1 elections to Urban Local Bodies in the State in the face of the boycott call and warning of ex-communications to candidates by different tribal organisations in Nagaland.
Accepting the resolutions of respective tribal organisations, so far 53 candidates out of the 535 validly nominated candidates have withdrawn. The boycott call and warning to candidates have been given against 33 per cent reservation for women in Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. NPF has filed nominations of 255 candidates for the 26 municipal and town council elections but 12 of them have already withdrawn in compliance with the tribal body resolutions.
Extended nominations came to end on January 9 while the last date of withdrawal is January 17. However, the NPF central officials today held a meeting in the residence of its president Shurhozelie Liezietsu and took stock of the situation arising out of the ensuing Municipal and Town Council election in the State.
The NPF officials resolved that the NPF would go ahead with the election process as per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission. Since the tickets of the party were issued to the primary and active membership holders of the party after administering pledge, the NPF resolved that no ticket holder should withdraw from the fray.
Don't hear pleas: ECI to CMs, Ministers of poll bound States
The Sangai Express / Express News Service
New Delhi, January 15 2017: The Election Commission has told Ministers and Chief Ministers of poll-bound States to stop hearing appeals of people till the time the Model Code of Conducted MCC remains in force. It has also instructed the State administrations to prohibit the sale of liquor in shops, restaurants, hotels and at all other places during the polling time.
Moreover, the Poll Panel directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in the five poll-bound States to ask the police brass that cash transfers during the election period be carried out under the protection of cops and that they be kept informed about such movements from banks or currency chests.
The EC, in its directives to the CEOs of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, has cited the standing orders issued by it in this regard even as it appended the recent instructions issued by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Finance Ministry on the subject.
The DFS had said, " The operating procedure for transportation of cash by banks and transfer of currency from one chest to another operated by the banks within the State or inter-State level as laid down in the above mentioned letters shall be followed scrupulously" .
The EC directives on transportation of cash are seen in the backdrop of an incident in poll-bound Tamil Nadu last year, when three trucks carrying Rs 570 crore were intercepted by EC-appointed surveillance teams.
On public hearing by the Ministers or Chief Ministers, the poll panel has said that it has direct or indirect influence on the voters and it might disturb the level playing field.
The Poll Panel was of the view that if any such hearing were found to be necessary, it should be held by the senior officers.
The EC has also said that Dry Day should be declared and notified under the relevant State laws during 48 hours ending with conclusion of the polls.
States, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will go for Assembly polls between February 4 and March 8 and the model code of conduct came into force on January 4 when the EC announced the election schedule.
CEO informs
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2017: Chief Electoral Officer Manipur has informed that voters may check electoral rolls and news related to the ensuing 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election through the website ceomanipur.nic.in.
For getting the information, voters have to register his/her mobile number at the link "Registration for Voter" after opening the website. CEO Office has started preparation to send SMS related information to those mobile numbers registered with the link.
So far, the office has received 300 complaints regarding violation of election code of conduct and electoral rolls.
Don't attend : UNC
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2017: The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that no Naga should take part in the January 20 meeting between the 'valley based' civil society organisations and Centre's interlocutor for Naga peace talk RN Ravi in New Delhi, reports NNN.
RN Ravi had reportedly sent invitations to 'valley based' civil society organisations on January 3 requesting the organisations to participate in the consultation meeting on the prevailing situation of Manipur to be held on January 20 .
"In case of any Naga taking part in that meeting, and in the event of any opinion expressed or signature appended it will be the participant's sole opinion, and that, he or she does not represent the Naga people," said UNC in a statement.
Election Model Code of Conduct : Use of Loudspeakers for election
No.4/56/ELEC/PR/SAE-2017: The Election commission of India (ECl) vide press NotesNo.ECvpNfitzolT & No. ECI/PN/2/2017 dated 0410112017has announced 2(two) phases of Poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election Schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4ih January,2017 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the state and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned.
Campaigning
A. Use of Loudspeakers for election campaigns' Consolidated instructions
All political parties, candidates and their workers, supporters and sympathizers are using loudspeakers for their electioneering campaigns' These loudspeakers are not only used from fixed rostrums but. are also used mounted/fitted on vehicles like trucks, tempos, cars, taxis, vans, three wheeler scooters, cycle rickshaws, etc. These vehicles move on all roads, streets and lanes and also so around villages, basties, Mohallas, colonies and localities with the loudspeakers broadcasting at very great volume. This results in serious ,noise pollution' and causes great disturbance to the peace and tranquillity of the general public. The student community, in particular, gets seriously disturbed as their studies are badly hampered because the loudspeakers stall blaring from very early hours in the morning and continue to do so throughout the day and till extremely late hours in the night. The aged, the infirm and the sick whether in institutions, hospitals, etc. or at home are also put to severe discomfort'
2.. The Commission is aware that the use of loudspeakers cannot be stopped altogether during the election period as the loudspeakers are one of the means of election propaganda and imparting information to public. But at the same time, indiscriminate and unfettered use of loudspeaker at odd hours and at odd places at very high volumes which have the effect of disturbing peace and tranquillity and causing annoyance to the general public, the sick, and the student community in particular cannot be permitted. Some reasonable restrictions are essential.
3. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Commission, in exercise of its powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and all other powers enabling it in this behalf and in supersession of its earlier instructions, hereby DIRECTS that the use of loudspeakers at all future elections shall be strictly regulated as follows:-
(i) The use of loudspeakers, whether fitted on vehicles of any kind whatsoever, or in static position used for public meetings for electioneering purposes, during the entire election period starting from the date of announcement of election and ending with the date of declaration of results shall be permitted only (a) between 6.00 a.m. and 11.00 p.m in rural areas i.e. areas outside corporation or municipal Limits: and (b) between 6'00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. in other areas, i.e. areas falling within corporation or municipal limits.
(ii) All loudspeakers whether used for general propaganda or for public meetings or procession, and whether used on moving vehicles or otherwise' shall be used during the restricted hours only mentioned in clauses (ii) above and never beyond.
(iii) All loudspeaker being used beyond the hours as prescribed above, shall be confiscated along with all the apparatus connected with the use of these loudspeakers.
(iv) All political parties, candidates and any other persons using any loudspeakers on moving vehicles including but not restricted to trucks, tempos, cars, taxis, vans, three wheelers, Cycle rickshaws, etc' shall intimate the registration identification number of those vehicles to the authorities getting permission to use the loudspeakers and such registration identification numbers of the vehicles shall be indicated on the permits granted by the authorities concerned'
(v) Any vehicle on which a loudspeaker is used without the said written permit shall be confiscated forthwith along with the loudspeaker and all the apparatus used along with it.
(vi) All political parties, candidates and even other person using any loudspeaker either on a moving vehicle or at a fixed place shall intimate -
(1) the Returning Officer of the Constituency, and
1)j local police authorities, in writing, the full details of the permits obtained by them before using any of those loudspeakers' in the case of loudspeakers, the registration identification numbers of the vehicles shall also be registered by them with the Returning Officer and the local Police authorities'
(vii) lt shall be the responsibility of the state Government authorities granting permits for use of loudspeakers and the local Police authorities to strictly enforce that no loudspeaker is used by anyone in violation of any of the above directions,
4. No loudspeakers fitted on vehicles of any kind or in any other manner whatsoever shall be permitted to be used during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll in any polling area' Even after the close of poll proper law and order is required to be maintained till completion of election after the declaration of result. Use of loudspeakers is generally regarded as source of public nuisance and can often give rise to tension in a politically surcharged atmosphere. The District Administrations should, therefore, consider any application for permission to use loudspeakers after the aforesaid prohibitory period of 48 hours, on merit of each application and keeping in view the need to maintain proper law and order till the completion of election.
B. Restrictions on presence of political functionaries in a Constituency after the Campaign Period is over
Under Section 126 of the' Representation of the People Act, 1951, in the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll, the campaign will come to an end.
2. During the course of campaign in bye -election, the political parties mobilize their supporters, including from outside the constituency of poll, in order to bolster that campaign. In view of the fact that the closure of campaign period no camping period no campaign can take place within the constituency, presence of political functionaries/party workers/procession functionaries/campaign functionaries etc., who have been brought from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency, should not continue to remain present In the constituency aS their continued presence after campaign ends may undermine the atmosphere for free and fair poll.
3. Hence the Commission has directed that after the campaign period is over, the district election administration/police administration shall ensure that all such functionaries leave the constituency immediately after the campaign period is over, This shall be brought to the notice of all political parties, candidates and their agents in order them to comply'
4. The Commission further directs that in order to ensure that the above instruction is carried out, the election administration/police may take all necessary measures which may include:
1. Checking of kalian mandapams/ community halls etc., where such people ire kept housed and find out whether the outsiders have been accommodated in these Premises.
2, Verification of lodges and guesthouses to keep a track of the list of occupants.
3. Set up check-posts in the constituency borders and track the vehicular movement from outside the constituency.
4. Verify the identity of the people/group of people in order to find out whether they are voters or not and establish their identity.
(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur
No.4/56/ELEC/PR/SAE-2017: The Election commission of India (ECl) vide press Notes No.ECltPNlll2olT & No. ECI/PN/2/2017 dated 0410112017has announced 2(two) phases of Poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4in January,2017 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the State and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned'
A. On Govt. Scheme and Welfare Programmes:
1. The following types of existing works can be continued by the government agencies without reference to the Election Commission after the Model Code of Conduct comes into force:
a. Work-projects that have actually started on the ground after obtaining all necessary sanctions;
b. Beneficiary-projects where specific beneficiaries by name have been identified before coming of the Model Code of Conduct into force;
c. Registered beneficiaries of NREGA may be covered under existing projects. New projects under NREGA that may be mandated under the provisions of the Act may be taken up only if it is for the already registered beneficiaries and the project is already listed in the approved and sanctioned shelf of projects for which funds are also already earmarked
2. There shall be no bar to release of funds for the completed portion of any work subject to observance of laid down procedures and concurrence of finance department.
3. The following type of new works (whether beneficiary or work oriented) that fulfill all the following conditions before Model Code of Conduct comes into effect, can be taken up under intimation to the commission.
a. Full funding has been tied up. b. Administrative, technical and financial sanctions have been obtained c. Tender has been floated, evaluated and awarded and
d. There is contractual obligation to start and end the work within a given time frame and failing which there is an obligation to impose penalty on the contractor
e. In case of any of the above conditions not being met in such cases prior approval of the Commission shall be sought and obtained.
4. Global tenders already floated, can be evaluated and finalized where any time limits are specified for such purpose'
5. Tenders other than global tenders, that are already floated may be evaluated but not finalized without prior approval of the Commission. lf they are not already floated, they shall not be floated without prior approval of the Commission.
6. Commission invariably takes a humanitarian view on the work that are necessitated due to man-made or natural calamities'
a. Ex-gratia payments and gratuitous relief in the aftermath of a disaster can be given directly to the persons affected at the current rates/scales of assistance presently in force, under intimation to the Commission. No change in the extant and prescribed scales of payments, however, shall be made in the existing rates/scales without prior permission of the Commission'
b. Payment directly to the hospitals from CM's/PM's Relief Fund, in lieu of direct cash payment to individual patients (beneficiaries) will be permissible without reference to the Commission.
c. Emergent relief works and measures that are aimed to mitigate the hardships, directly and solely, of the persons affected in a disaster may be taken up under intimation to the Commission.
d. However, new works that may be necessitated by way of preventive measures to mitigate the likely effects of natural disasters like repair of embankments, water channels etc, can be taken up only with prior permission of the Commission.
e. Also. an area shall not be declared droughVflood affected or any such calamity affected without prior approval of the Commission. The extent of area already declared to be calamity-effected cannot be expanded without prior approval of the Commission.
f. Similarly, any selective assistance to a group of persons from the PM's or the CM's Relief Fund will require prior approval of the Commission'
7. The following type of activities will require prior permission of the Commission:
a. New works and project cannot be taken up from discretionary funds of whatever nature. Discretionary fund, in this context, includes funds, which are provided for in the budget in a generic manner and for which no identified and sanctioned project exists prior to Model Code of Conduct coming into effect.
b. Proposals for revival of sick PSUs, governmental take over of enterprises etc. (or any policy decision on similar lines) cannot be taken up'
c. Fresh auctions of liquor vends etc. cannot be held even if the annual auction time falls within the Model Code of Conduct period. Where necessary, the government should make interim arrangements as provided in their respective laws.
d. Area of operation of any existing project/schemeiprogramme can not be extended or exPanded.
e. No land allocation shall be made by the government to any entity, whether individual or an enterprise'
f. Signing a MOU or an agreement where the government is a party will also require prior clearance by the Commission.
B. Regular recruitmentiappointment or promotion through the UPSC, State public Service Commissions or the Staff Selection Commission or any other statutory authority can continue. Recruitments through non-statutory bodies, will require prior clearance of the Commission'
9. While starting any work (including any relief work) or developmental activity no formal function shall be held involving any politicalfunctionary.As a matter of good practice, normal functions and publicity even with the presence of official functionaries should be kept to the minimum.
10. Where works are to be undertaken orfunctions are to be held in fulfillment of international commitments, prior concurrence of the Commission shall be taken.
11. All Government of India references to the Election Commission of India shall be made preferably through the Cabinet Secretariat. ln so far as reference from State Governments is concerned, the same shall be made to the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state concerned.
B. Samadhan: lt is a Public Grievance Redressal System used in connection with Revision of Electoral Rolls and conduct of Elections. Every complain received both online or offline, is capture in this application software. Since its use in the state last month, 361 complaints have been registered out of which 336 have been disposed of and 25 are pending .
(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur
By Pradip Phanjoubam 22 Jan 2017
Imphal Free Press/ The Hindu
The dates for the election to the Manipur Legislative Assembly have been announced. Polling will be in two phases, on March 4 and March 8. Results will be declared on March 11. A fortnight ago, there was speculation that the election may be preceded by a spell of President’s Rule in the wake of theindefinite economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC), a civil organisation in Manipur which claims to be the apex body of all Naga tribes in the State, but these have since been put to rest.
Blockade numbs Manipur
The blockade is now two and a half months oldandManipur continues to reel under the effect of shortages of many essential commodities, petrol and cooking gas in particular. Petrol stations are shut, but whenever there is some indication that some of them have been replenished for rationed distribution, miles-long queues of vehicles form outside them, sometimes overnight. The market understandably is sluggish and prices of commodities have gone up. Daily wage earners are the hardest hit. Demonetisation has made their trauma even worse. Thankfully, Imphal valley is a fertile, rice-growing region, ensuring that the people have not gone hungry. Had it been otherwise, there would have been mayhem on the streets by now.
Election pundits have been busy interpreting how this sorry state of affairs would play out in the March election. The foremost questions are: Would the hardships caused by the blockade turn the people against the ruling Congress? Would the BharatiyaJanata Party’s challenge become any more formidable because of it?
Significance of Assembly composition
The Manipur Assembly has 60 seats. Of these, 40 represent the valley inhabited predominantly by non-tribal Hindu Meiteis; 39 of these are for the general category and one is reserved for Scheduled Castes. The BJP had hoped it would be able to reap a harvest here, partly because of the community’s religious affiliation. Twenty seats represent the hills and 19 of these are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, after the Kangpokpi constituency in the erstwhile SADAR (Selected Area Development and Administrative Region) hills came to be de-reserved to accommodate its sizeable population of Nepalis. Of the 20 hill seats, Nagas normally hold sway in 11 to 12. The rest are generally won by Kukis and aligned tribes.
Given that the BJP government at the Centre is holding peace talks with the Naga militant group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), the party’s State unit was hoping that it would be able to win a majority of the Naga seats as well with the blessings of the militant group. Its main rival here is the Naga People’s Front, which too would be vying for the NSCN(IM)’s support. The Congress, which once had a lion’s share of the Naga seats, has, in the past few months, been marginalised as the NSCN(IM) and Naga organisations such as the UNC are opposed to it. Many Naga Congress MLAs and former ministers thought it prudent to resign from the party ahead of the election wishing to retain their seats. In Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the BJP are allies.
Electoral master stroke?
However, the UNC’s blockade — which began on November 1 in anticipation of the Manipur government giving in to the long-standing demand for upgrading the SADAR and Jiribamsubdivisions to full-fledged districts — has upset these equations radically. This became even more so after the government, at a cabinet sitting at midnight on December 8 to defy the UNC’s coercive protest, created not just the two districts the UNC was opposed to, but seven by splitting seven of the State’s nine districts.
The UNC considers four of the seven split districts to be a part of the ancestral Naga homeland and was quick to accuse the Manipur government of splitting this homeland, although, as the government contends, how districts can split people is incomprehensible. This is particularly so because the Assembly and parliamentary constituencies have remained untouched.
The worry of the BJP’s State unit amid the current ethnic polarisation is how proximity to the NSCN(IM), an organisation avowed to the dismemberment of Manipur to form a sovereign Greater Nagaland, and the UNC (which many consider to be a surrogate of the former) may alienate its support base in the valley where 40 seats are at stake. The Congress Chief Minister, OkramIbobi Singh’s move in this sense may be an electoral master stroke, not for the splintering or otherwise of any homeland, but for leaving rival BJP on the horns of a dilemma.
This dilemma is visible in the State unit’s muted response to the blockade question, probably not wanting to offend its Central leadership now holding talks with the NSCN(IM). Under the circumstances, if nothing happens to change the nature of this polarisation, there can be no doubt that the Congress’s position is strong in the valley, and the Chief Minister and his team may have found a way to overcome the anti-incumbency burden of having been in power for 15 years continuously.
Other than the valley seats, the Congress will also command sympathy in many Kuki constituencies. It may still win two or three Naga constituencies which had always been its strongholds if voters are not allowed to be totally coerced by the militants. In the party’s favour too is the fact that the State unit of the BJP does not have any charismatic leader who can jolt the confidence of the Congress even at this late stage.
Fluctuating loyalties
But things can change in the run-up to the March election. This happened in the Assam election of April 2016, and even more dramatically in Arunachal Pradesh later the same year, where the BJP installed its governments in both States. In Assam it wrested power from the Congress but only after wooing many Congress leaders to its camp before the election. In Arunachal Pradesh, it did this by engineering the defection of almost the entire lot of MLAs from the ruling Congress after the election. In Manipur too, such a scenario is not impossible to think of. Here too, the BJP is in a position to take advantage of the psychology of weak and dependent Northeast States of feeling safer by being on the side of the party in power at the Centre. There is always the feeling here, among political leaders as well as electorate, that the clearance of projects and Central assistance in lean times will always be smoother if the party that rules the Centre also rules the State.
There is one more factor that has determined party loyalty. The ceiling on ministry size for small Northeast States fixed by the anti-defection law is 12. This includes the chief minister. Those in the ruling Congress, and indeed the contender BJP, who are unsure of making this elite 12 will begin looking for greener pastures. This will also be an opportunity for smaller parties such as the Trinamool Congress to enlist potential winners. IromSharmila’s brand new party, the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), has shown no interest in this kind of politics, but its idealism is still too nascent to generate the kind of wave that wins elections.
Public meeting on blockades and election
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
Hericoun and League of Indigenous Upliftment will conduct a public meeting on the theme “People and elections in the present situation” at G.M Hall on January 24 at around 11 am with the view of the prevailing situation in the state. The state has been facing great hurdles since November 1 due to blockades at arterial routes. Escalating cost of foods and fuels coupled with demonetisation had exacerbated the problems even as an election is at the doorstep.
But instead of solving the prevailing problem, the state and central government are playing a blame game, said Longjam Ratankumar, president Hericoun at their office. He further added they need to address the issue with great attention at the earliest and also respect the initiatives taken up by Goodwill Mission for Peaceful Co-existence to bring the peace in the state.
Ibobi : Govt will not buckle under threats from UGs
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 21
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh’s appeal to militant groups operating in the state to come to negotiating table marked the Statehood Day celebration today. He said the government will not buckle under diktats of militant outfits. Speaking to the 45th Statehood Day celebration today the Chief Minister reiterated his appeal to underground organisations to come forward for peace talks so as to resolve outstanding issues amicably.
BJP defers candidate list
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 21
The state BJP has delayed official release of party’s first list of candidates for the ensuing assembly polls until tomorrow, Sunday, but it did not give a reason. It has been unofficially confirmed that 31 candidates for the state where election will be held in two phases on March 4 and 8 have been finalized two days back.
The finalized candidates include 29 from the valley districts and two from the hill districts, party sources informed. Dissent among party ticket seekers could be the main reason for delaying the official announcement of candidate names, sources said. The BJP Manipur Pradesh was supposed to officially release the list by Saturday.
Congress will be ousted from Manipur: BJP
The Sangai Express / IANS
Tura, January 21 2017: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday exuded confidence that it will oust the ruling Congress government in the upcoming assembly elections in Manipur.
"A month from now, Manipuris will get a great opportunity to get rid of the corrupt and regressive Congress government and Okram Ibobi Singh," BJP national general secretary in-charge of northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Madhav, said.
According to Madhav, the Congress government does not bother about its own people. The BJP made it clear that the party will contest all 60 seats on its own.
"The BJP is not having an alliance with the Naga People's Front and National People's Party (NPP), which are part of the NDA government in Manipur." The NPF and NPP have fielded candidates in some of the constituencies.
Madhav made the remarks while addressing BJP workers after the inauguration of the party's regional office in Meghalaya's Garo Hills region. He was accompanied by BJP national spokesperson and party in-charge in Meghalaya, Nalin Kohli, and BJP Meghalaya president Shibun Lyngdoh besides others.
PRJA open session
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 20
After the first interaction with the youths last Friday, Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) conducted a second open session with the youths today at Oorei Teahouse at Sagolband, Imphal. During the interaction PRJA convener Erendro Leichombam discussed on how participation of youth in politics can build peace and eradicate corruption from the state.
Erendro said that it is high time for the youth of the state to come forward and raise the voice of the youth to change the present contaminated system to a brand new clean system of the state. If we wish to change Manipur we must be a part and act against the dirty politics in the state, Erendro said.
Surveillance to check poll cash movement
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 20
The Income Tax Department through its investigation wing has deployed surveillance and other enforcement teams in all the 16 districts of the state to curve use of black money during the state assembly election. C Deepak Singh, IRS, Additional Director of Income Tax (Investigation), NER, Guwahati and Nodal Officer of Income Tax department for Manipur assembly elections told a press conference at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, Imphal East that the IT department has set up and operationalised Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) in Imphal airport, Guwahati, Silchar, Agartala and Aizawl in North East Region. The airports of Calcutta and Delhi which are directly connected to Imphal have already been under surveillance.
And as per the instruction of ECI, the IT dept is continuously gathering intelligence and keeping close surveillance over movement of cash or valuables or other items suspected to be used for bribing electors during the elections, he added. The nodal officer has appealed general public, voters, various civil society organizations to assist the IT department to effectively monitor use of black money, to effectively control illegal expenditure during the elections.
For the benefit of public, he said the department has opened 24/7 control room and complaint monitoring cell at Imphal.
JD (U) ticket
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 20
The Janata Dal (United), Manipur State Unit has informed all the intending candidates who are aspiring for the party ticket can collect the application from its office at Hafiz Hatta, opposite Oil Pump from January 23 to February 7, 2017, said a release. It further said the form can be collected during office timing from 10 am to 4 pm.
Inadvertently strengthening Cong : Election via the blockade
The Sangai Express Editorial 20 January 20 2017
The United Naga Council (UNC) has already made its point. And it is time they act on the fact that the longer they continue with the economic blockade, the better the prospects of Chief Minister O Ibobi and his party the Congress to come back to power. Or maybe the ongoing economic blockade has already made the upcoming Assembly election a sure shot poll for the Congress and it is this which the UNC should realise. Not the first time that the Congress and Chief Minister O Ibobi have been able to make political capital out of the stubborn stand adopted by some hill based organisations. Remember 2012 too.
Just two years before the Assembly election was held, the State Government under Chief Minister O Ibobi barred the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur and while the Congress stood boycotted in the Naga dominated districts following the Naga People’s Convention in Senapati, it did remarkably well in other parts of the State to sweep the polls like never before. Despite the growing popularity of the BJP and the presence of an alternative to the Congress, the party which has been in power for the last 15 years may just return for the fourth term, given the fact that the election will be a highly polarised one.
So if the Congress is on slippery ground in the Naga dominated districts, it will surely find a healthy response in Kangpokpi districts which has three Assembly Constituencies. It was only in 2015 that Churachandpur district went up in flames after the three Bills were passed in the Assembly, but there is every likelihood that the creation of the seven new districts and the ongoing economic blockade will have a bigger impact on the election this time. More than obvious that the creation of the seven new districts caught the BJP on the backfoot and this could be another reason why the BJP led Central Government has left nothing to chance while pointing an accusing finger at the Chief Minister for not being able to open NH-2 or the Imphal-Dimapur highway.
There could be some truth in this, yet it also stands that trying to bulldoze through NH-2 using the security personnel at hand can lead to bloodshed and violence. No one would want this and this is a point which should not blow over the heads of the Centre. Remember the people coming out to enforce the blockade are ordinary village folks, who probably do not really know the politics of the blockade and the politics of creating the seven new districts. More than evident that the ongoing economic blockade has been viewed through the prism of the upcoming Assembly election and this is one reason why it took the State Government so long to issue an invitation to the UNC for a talk.
It is this point which should not blow over the heads of the UNC leadership. The irony is palpable. On the one hand the UNC is deadly against the Congress and the Chief Minister yet in prolonging the economic blockade they are only brightening the poll prospects of the Congress and another term in office for Okram Ibobi.
Ticket allotment issues likely to turn state BJP office into war field
Imphal Times
Imphal, January 20 2017: As opined by various political expert, BJP Manipur Pradesh office here in Imphal is likely to become a war field with aspirant candidates which had been denied party ticket now revolt. Officially, no announcement of candidate has been made at the time of filing this report, but report published on various newspapers of Imphal area base on their respective sources has made curious to many of the intending candidates.
"Since early morning today I have been receiving calls from various party men inquiring about the list", an important functionary of the BJP said while talking to this reporter.
He assured that the final list for the first phase has been prepared for 31 constituencies but it is not officially announced. Meanwhile large number of supporters of their respective candidates today thronged to the BJP Manipur Pradesh at Keishampat.
Sloagan shouting justice for their supporters were heard shouted.
"It is expected and for popular party these things are common, some will get and some will not be lucky enough", said the party functionary. He said as it is expected the BJP authority had already informed the DGP to provide adequate security forces to ensure that no unwanted element cause trouble at the party office.
Training and rehearsal programme on EVM and statutory items conducted
Imphal Times / DIPR
Imphal, January 20 2017: One day Rehearsal and Training programme on EVM and statutory items was conducted for the newly appointed presiding officers and polling officers of Tamenglong District for the upcoming 11th Manipur Assembly Election 2017 at Indoor Stadium in Tamenlong District Headquarter.
Speaking on the occasion, S.D.O.of Khoupum David talked about the role of presiding officer and polling officer. He also further explained about the complex cases that may crop up during polling day and during elections. Gonguilu Gangmei, SDO of Nungba elaborated the process of how to handle the EVM machine through audio visual medium in a very simple and systematic way.
She also further interacted with the newly appointed presiding officer and polling officer regarding handling of special situations such as challenged votes, tendered votes, proxy votes, natural calamities, riots, and booth capturing. The training and rehearsal programme was attended by Tamenglong DC Marachan Luikham, SDO Tamei, Kachamthai Gangmei, and District election officer D Meidinbui. Around 200 people participated in the training programme.
Talks and venue
The Imphal Free Press editorial, 20 Jan 2017
A few questions have come to the fore in the recent endeavour to engage United Naga Council (UNC) and the state government in a dialogue. First, what is there to talk about in the issue of lifting the economic blockade which has been in force since November 1 last. Second, why should the ‘venue’ of talks really matter? Third, why is the central government reluctant to use the ‘special leverage’ it has on the political bosses of UNC? We could go on raising several other questions. We had already given our piece of mind on the first question, in this same column.
There is nothing democratic or political about an economic blockade. There is simply no justification for imposing an economic blockade in a state. The Supreme Court was very clear on this. More than two and half months have gone by and still the economic blockade is in place defying logic and the law of the land. It is not only causing untold sufferings to the common people in both valley and hills but also threatening the social fabric and the shared history of economic interdependence. Yes, the imposition of economic blockade is different from earlier blockades with bullets flying around and deadly ambushes, and of course a steep rise in the number of vehicles burnt. Other than comparing notes on the impact of the economic blockade, there is really nothing to talk about.
The question of ‘venue’ of the talks is indeed interesting. Here also, several other questions crop up. Is there a ‘foreign’ entity or body among the main actors in the proposed tripartite talks? Is it a question of choosing a neutral venue or taking a definitive political stance for setting terms? New Delhi seems to have passed the buck to Imphal, based on its much stated position of ‘state subject’ and also with an eye on the ensuing state assembly elections. As the economic blockade is imposed in the national highways of the state, the talks should happen within the borders of the state, but in a neutral zone. Senapati is definitely out of question as the owners of the economic blockade UNC is headquartered there and also because UNC has consistently refused to accept the authority of Manipur government. Sometimes, it rather seems self contradictory on the part of a group who continually places its demands at the very doorsteps of a government which it chooses to ignore. And it runs from pillar to post in New Delhi to seek central intervention for its grievances in the state of Manipur.
Now again, the reluctance of the BJP government at New Delhi to use its ‘special leverage’ reeks of political opportunism in the backdrop of an ‘imagined’ political space in view of the ensuing Manipur assembly elections. Somehow, the ruling party at the Centre has failed to grasp the changing political winds in the state as a defiant Congress government took a tough stance against detractors and champions of disintegration. BJP seems to think that it can still bank on the plank of rooting out a corrupt state government in the ensuing elections. Yes, everyone is fed up of the uninterrupted fifteen years of corruption and nepotism under chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and had been longing for a change in the event of a viable alternative.
But, BJP has failed to capitalize on the corruption scams haunting the state in the light of a favourable government at the Centre or to prop up an attractive option before the Manipur public. The party seems to have missed the broader picture in Manipur where people zealously guard the edifice called Manipur and would thwart any attempt to disintegrate it. They are even willing to lay down their lives for the sake of territorial integrity. They hate and detest corruption, but they love Manipur more.
ASUK boycotts R-Day celebration
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
A proscribed Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) has boycotted the celebration of forthcoming 68th Indian Republic Day in Western South-East Asia (WESEA) region on January 26. However, emergency services, media and religious activities will be exempted. ASUK was formed by Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup (KYKL) and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) as constituent units.
In a statement, Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak publicity committee convenor S Mangal claimed that WESEA region was forcibly occupied by Indian colonial forces. Then, Indian constitutions have been implementing since January 26, 1950. It said, “India has been colonizing the WESEA by forcibly implementing the Indian Constitution since January 26, 1950. However, the people of WESEA who dreamt of creating a new democratic society based on Liberty, Equality and Fraternity has been opposing the celebration of the Indian Republic Day”.
“India has been creating intense horizontal conflict among the different indigenous communities as a principal contradiction while suppressing the Indo-WESEA vertical conflict which is the principal contradiction” it contended.
The release further continued that, “The citizens of the Western South-East Asia region have to understand the colonial structure of Indain government and urged the citizens of the region to fight together against the juggernaut of Indian Colonialism to save the indigenous identities of the community from extinction”.
“The Mainland Indians could not consider Mongoliods as Indians and as a result frequent racial discriminations has been taking place in various Indian metropolitan cities and will continue”, it concluded.
Rajnath to help end eco blockade
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
The Union Home Minister Rajnath has assured all possible steps to help end the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur. Rajnath Singh gave the assurance to a visiting delegation of the Joint Forum for Peace, Manipur (JFP) led by United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Elangbam Johnson today at New Delhi. The 17-member delegation met the Union Home Minister today morning at 9.45 am for about 45 minutes at his office in North Block, according to sources.
The delegation included members of state civil society organizations including UCM, AMUCO, CSSK, All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee, Kabui Mothers Association, Kuki Inpi Manipur and All Tribal Students Association Manipur (ATSUM). Sources said, the Manipur delegation apprised the home minister on the impact of the UNC imposed economic blockade on the highways of the state while seeking central intervention to facilitate the lifting of the economic blockade.
Voter awareness at Imphal market
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 19
With the objective to render awareness among general market vendors and general public on how to operate EVM and VVPAT for casting their votes on the poll day for the ensuing assembly election 2017, District Election Officer, Imphal West today organised EVM and VVPAT familiarization campaign in and around the Khwairamband Bazar today.
Returning officers of Thangmeiband A/c and Sagolband A/c was the officer in charge of the said campaign. Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District Robert Singh Kshetrimayum as District Election Officer, Imphal West who was present at the spot said that the EVM and VVPAT familiarization campaign is to promote free and fair election in the upcoming election.
BJP names first list of candidates
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2017: The Central Election Committee of the BJP which met this evening at New Delhi to work out the candidate list for the coming Assembly polls has reportedly chosen 32 candidates in the first list, said a reliable source.
State unit president of the BJP, K Bhabananda, general secretary and MLA Th Bishwajit and convenor of the Election Management Committee Th Chaoba were present at the CEC meeting.
The official list of the candidates named will be issued tomorrow.
According to a reliable source, the names of only 29 candidates who have been named could be confirmed at the time of going to press late in the evening today.
The 29 are N Biren (Hein-gang AC), Y Erabot (Wang- khei AC), O Joy (Langthabal AC), Sh Premananda Sharma (Patsoi AC), Kikhonbou Newmai (Tamei AC), Shangba (Sugnu AC) Francis Ngajokpa (Tadubi AC), N Mangi (Kumbi AC), Dr Kh Loken (Sagolband AC), Dr U Deben (Wabagai AC), Dr Y Radheshyam (Hiyanglam AC), Th Chaoba (Nambol AC), RK Shivachandra (Keishamthong AC), Th Bishwajit (Thongju AC) and Seityabrata (Yaiskul AC) .
The other candidates are Yaima (Khurai AC), S Ranjan (Konthoujam AC), Robindro (Mayang Imphal), S Joy (Wangoi), Radha-kishore (Oinam AC), P Sarat (Moirang AC), Asni-kumar (Thanga AC), Anwar (Lilong AC), Rameshwar (Keirao AC), Bhim (Thoubal), Jadu-mani (Khangabok), Hemanta (Wangjing-Tentha AC), Haridas (Wangkhem AC), Dr Nimaichand (Andro AC) and Ibomcha (Lamlai AC) .
Manipur Elections 2017 Polls to be a test for EC due to blockade
The Sangai Express / DNA
New Delhi, January 19 2017: The latest decision of the United Naga Council (UNC) to intensify the agitation against creating seven new districts has thrown up a tough challenge for the Election Commission to carry out polls in the trouble-torn State of Manipur.
The EC sources said the conduct of polling will be uncertain in 30 of the 60 Constituencies if the situation does not improve soon. Polls are to be held in two phases in Manipur on March 4 and 8. The EC's main concern is the delivery of logistics EVMs, booth and election material and the poll staff to 30 of the 60 Constituencies that depend on NH-2 for supplies, and ensure their safety.
The NH-2 is known as the lifeline of the State and has seen the UNC protest for the last 75 days. Wary of the explosive situation, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met Manipur Chief Minister, Ibobi Singh and asked the CM to ensure movement on NH-2 by implementing law and order that is a Constitutional duty of the State Government.
In turn, Ibobi Singh asked Rajnath to use the Centre's influence to placate UNC which is unnecessarily challenging State's prerogative. Earlier, the Centre had contemplated seriously to implement President's Rule but then decided against it after meeting the State representatives and UNC delegation. To carry out polls peacefully, the Manipur Government had asked for 40 more companies (4000 personnel) of the Central armed police forces (CAPFs) to add to the strength of 135 (13,500 personnel) existing companies.
The forces have already been sent to the State but now it may require more Central police forces to ease the situation which senior Home Ministry sources said the Centre will provide if the need arises.
District level training on MCMC
The Sangai Express
Thoubal, January 19 2017: A one-day district level training on Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for media and political parties in connection with the ensuing 11th State Assembly election was held today at Thoubal DC Conference hall under the aegis of the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, our correspondent reports.
The training was organized by the Office of the District Electoral Officer, Thoubal. Deputy Commissioner/District Electoral Officer Thoubal, M Joy Singh who chaired the today's meeting said the training primarily focus on the matter of paid news and political advertisements. Mayengbam Rajkumar, AC to DC, Thoubal, briefed on the certification of political advertisements and urged them to ensure clearance from the MCMC before publishing the same in order to safeguard the Model Code of Conduct.
Mayengba Rajkumar urged media persons not to publish paid news and also laid out the many steps and measures taken up by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prevent such malpractices. He spoke of the need to obtain a certification from concerned MCMC before broadcasting any political related advertisement.
Any political content uploaded on blogs and self account on any social media websites will not be treated as political advertisement. Political advertisements issued on e-papers shall however require pre certification, he stated. Reporters, correspondents from various media firms and representatives of political parties attended the training.
Inadvertently strengthening Cong: Election via the blockade
The Sangai Express editorial
20 Jan 2017
The United Naga Council (UNC) has already made its point. And it is time they act on the fact that the longer they continue with the economic blockade, the better the prospects of Chief Minister O Ibobi and his party the Congress to come back to power. Or maybe the ongoing economic blockade has already made the upcoming Assembly election a sure shot poll for the Congress and it is this which the UNC should realise. Not the first time that the Congress and Chief Minister O Ibobi have been able to make political capital out of the stubborn stand adopted by some hill based organisations. Remember 2012 too. Just two years before the Assembly election was held, the State Government under Chief Minister O Ibobi barred the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur and while the Congress stood boycotted in the Naga dominated districts following the Naga People’s Convention in Senapati, it did remarkably well in other parts of the State to sweep the polls like never before. Despite the growing popularity of the BJP and the presence of an alternative to the Congress, the party which has been in power for the last 15 years may just return for the fourth term, given the fact that the election will be a highly polarised one. So if the Congress is on slippery ground in the Naga dominated districts, it will surely find a healthy response in Kangpokpi districts which has three Assembly Constituencies. It was only in 2015 that Churachandpur district went up in flames after the three Bills were passed in the Assembly, but there is every likelihood that the creation of the seven new districts and the ongoing economic blockade will have a bigger impact on the election this time.
More than obvious that the creation of the seven new districts caught the BJP on the backfoot and this could be another reason why the BJP led Central Government has left nothing to chance while pointing an accusing finger at the Chief Minister for not being able to open NH-2 or the Imphal-Dimapur highway. There could be some truth in this, yet it also stands that trying to bulldoze through NH-2 using the security personnel at hand can lead to bloodshed and violence. No one would want this and this is a point which should not blow over the heads of the Centre. Remember the people coming out to enforce the blockade are ordinary village folks, who probably do not really know the politics of the blockade and the politics of creating the seven new districts. More than evident that the ongoing economic blockade has been viewed through the prism of the upcoming Assembly election and this is one reason why it took the State Government so long to issue an invitation to the UNC for a talk. It is this point which should not blow over the heads of the UNC leadership. The irony is palpable. On the one hand the UNC is deadly against the Congress and the Chief Minister yet in prolonging the economic blockade they are only brightening the poll prospects of the Congress and another term in office for Okram Ibobi.
Manipur yet to sway to the rhythm of the ballot
Economic blockade by the Nagas and currency ban are bigger worries here
by Iboyaima Laithangbam
The Hindu, 19 Jan 2016
Political parties and Independents in Manipur are yet to launch electioneering for the March 4 and 8 Assembly elections. A few started a half-hearted campaign, but stopped immediately afterwards when they met with a lukewarm response.
The reasons are obvious. People in Manipur, as in other parts of the country, have been hit hard by the demonetisation on November 8. Even today, there are long queues in front of banks and ATMs. And after a few incidents of break-in, there has been no cash disbursal in ATMs in remote areas where police and security forces cannot be rushed immediately. Meanwhile, there is still a shortage of small value currencies.
Galloping prices
A bigger problem is the indefinite economic blockade since November 1 imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) that has brought the State to a grinding halt. UNC supporters have completely blocked NH 2, the lifeline of Manipur. Activists stop and rummage through even military trucks along this highway.
“Though the government has been bringing some essential items under armed escort, prices have sky-rocketed to ridiculous levels. Medicines, baby foods and many consumer items are not available in the market,” said social activist Laishram Nanao.
Women vendors resent politicians talking about their election in these difficult times. “We are unable to sell anything simply because Rs. 100 or lesser value currencies are not available. The elected members are not trying to end the blockade, but are busy playing the blame game,” said Asem Bala, who sells vegetables in the main Imphal city.
Nimaichand Luwang, a BJP leader who is seeking ticket for the Andro constituency, told The Hindu that launching large-scale electioneering at this stage would not only be insensitive, but was also tantamount to mocking the people.
“We are concentrating on street corner and in-camera meetings. We are handicapped because we cannot advertise even in the media without clearance from the EC,” he said.
The overwhelming view is that voters will not listen to the syrupy promises of candidates when virtually nothing is available in the market and petrol pumps are dry most of the days.
Lists are not out yet
While the politicians dread going to the angry voters, the parties themselves are not releasing their official lists fearing resignations by those who miss the bus. “The national ticket committee may decide the official candidates as there are many ticket-seekers,” said State Congress president T.N. Haokip. HRD Minister Prakash Jadvadekar said the BJP had received a list of recommended candidates. “The national committee will take some time to finalise the names.”
On an average, there are five contenders for a BJP ticket in each of the 60 constituencies. The situation is not very different in the Congress either.
EC seizes Rs. 64 cr from poll-bound States
Maximum cash, liquor seizures in U.P.; drugs in Punjab
The Hindu/PTI
Election Commission- appointed surveillance and expenditure monitoring teams have recovered over Rs. 64 crore in cash, including Rs 56.04 crore from Uttar Pradesh alone, and liquor and drugs worth over Rs 8 crore from the five poll-bound states.
As per official data, Punjab has witnessed the maximum seizure of drugs worth Rs 1.78 crore (heroine and poppy husk) followed by contraband in Goa valued at Rs 16.72 lakh while such seizures in Manipur amounted to Rs 7 lakh.
Assembly elections of 2017: An overview
By Thoudam Imomacha Singh
Imphal Free Press
As the Election Commission of India (ECI) has proclaimed the commencement of Assembly Elections in Manipur and other four State of Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the stage is set for electioneering in these parts of the country. Particularly for the state of Manipur, the March Assembly elections would be a crucial one, in view of the unconstitutional and unlawful ploy of UNC’s inconclusive “Economic Blockade”. At the same time very amazingly, the Congress Party which has been at the helm of affairs in the governance of the State for almost one and half decades failed to have done anything durable pertaining to the livelihood of the state citizenry. Every minister or all the incumbent law-makers of the Congress dispensation are very proud owing to the absence of a viable opposition in the Legislature, who could initiate a brainstorming debate on issues of public interest like rampant corruption in the state. The Congress remains safe as it commands a massive majority in the “House”. This frame of mind of the Congress Party amounts to “murder of democracy”.
If we look at the fallout of the inconclusive “Economic Blockade” the price of essential commodities comprising foodstuff, fuel, medicine and other various raw materials has gone sky-high. Nevertheless, the state authority remains a dolt, whereas the plight of the common man is up against the wall. At this high and dry moment, the so called politicians and high-ups have gone into hibernation. The leaders of public opinion and the intelligentsia in the state are now astounded due to the invisibility of governance.
Let us, now, recollect a little of the political genealogy of the state since the time Manipur became a full fledged state of the Union of India in the year 1972. A minority political veteran of mass popularity and pragmatism Mohammad Alimuddin was destined to lead the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) Government, the first of its kind after Manipur’s attainment of statehood. At that time the M.P.P. was a political clique of unquestioned credibility. Some of the well-known political names of Manipur were hobnobbing with the said local political party. They resorted to the MPP as their springboard for political propelling and also earn mass popularity. At the end, most of them discarded the party that was their political mentor. To day the MPP remains a “House of Cards”. The current situation of turmoil in Manipur reminds the state citizenry to resurrect and rejuvenate a political party like the MPP. The paradigm of “sons of the soil” may not be irrelevant to the context of the current political development in Manipur.
In a southern state like Tamilnadu most of the Political stalwarts now belong to Dravidian political parties like the DMK or the AIADMK. The late J. Jayalalitha was a charismatic political personage who ruled the state off and on. Her political contender was the grand old man of DMK K. Karunanidhi. He is in frail health on account of his ripe age. Still then he remains the political boss of the DMK. These political leaders dare to tell the rulers at the centre that they cannot middle with Tamilnadu affairs. Politicians in Manipur need to imbibe there political lifestyle. Every time, the political masters in Delhi seldom find the Manipur politicians honourable. This is the crux of the matter of Manipur politics and politicians.
Now, talking about the BJP led NDA Government at the centre, the Manipur Electorate need to do a political retrospection. During the earlier BJP led NDA Government in Delhi 18 Manipuris were martyred on 18, June, 2001, at the prime of their life on the issue of extension of cease-fire existing in between the centre and the NSCN (IM). At that time also there was Congress rule in Manipur as it is today. The BJP or the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre still owes a formal and unqualified apology in the Parliament. Because, the program was perpetrated on the Manipuris as a result the half-hearted conduct of the then Central Government. A number of turn-coat politicians have recently joined the state BJP bandwagon. There is nothing much to say about their conduct but it is a vivid example of their self-seeking frame of mind. Referring to the prevalent inconclusive “Economic Blockade”, the BJP as well as their Government at the Centre conveniently chooses to play the politics of mud-slinging at the cost of untold suffering borne by the common man.
The prolonged Naga Talks between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) still remains inconclusive. However, the Modi Government has taken the initiative to construct the so called “Framework Agreement”, which is very much kept clandestine and yet to see the light of the day. The centre now seems to be a champion of the Naga cause. Then what about other Northeasterners in the region? Let the outcome of the Assembly Elections of March 2017 in Manipur become the harbinger of the amalgamation of the region for a political tranquility.
Election punditry
Imphal Free Press Editorial, 18 Jan 2017
Just two and a half months away from the March elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, pundits are busy interpreting how the sorry state of affairs prevailing in Manipur at the moment following the UNC indefinite blockade along Manipur’s two lifelines from November 1 would play out at the elections. More than in established newspapers, which it must be said are much more cautious, it is social media sites which are replete with such punditries of self-professed seers and visionaries. As expected on any unregulated forum, these discussions and prophesies are now tending to turn into a pandemonium, full of sound and fury but often signifying nothing much. They often also tend to be accusative, hate filled and vitriolic. But even amidst this din, certain core questions have emerged. Would the blockade hardships and ethnic polarisation the blockade has brought, turn the people against the ruling Congress? Would the BJP’s challenge become any more formidable because of it? How would the creation of new districts impact the electoral fortunes of the parties in contention?
These questions are important and therefore a look at the structure of political establishment in the state may be helpful in attempting to answer them. We all know the Manipur Assembly has 60 seats. Of these 40 are located in the valley inhabited by non-tribal predominantly Hindu Meiteis, and 39 of these are general category and one reserved for scheduled castes. The BJP probably had hoped they would be able to reap a harvest here, partly because of the community’s religious affiliation. We also know twenty seats are in the hills and 19 of these are reserved for scheduled tribes, after the Kangpokpi constituency in the erstwhile SADAR hills came to be de-reserved to accommodate its sizeable population of Nepalis. Of the 20 hill seats, Nagas normally hold sway in 11 to 12. The rest are generally won by Kukis and aligned tribes. Again, considering the BJP government at the Centre is holding peace talks with the NSCN(IM), the state BJP was hoping they would be able to win a majority of the Naga seats as well with the blessings of the militant group. Its main rival here is the Naga People’s Front, which too would be vying for the NSCN(IM)’s support. The Congress which once had a lion’s share of the Naga seats has in the past few months been marginalised badly as the NSCN(IM) and Naga organisations like the UNC are opposed to it, and many Naga Congress MLAs and former ministers thought it prudent to resign from the party ahead of the elections, to salvage any chance of retaining their seats.
The UNC’s blockade which began on November 1, in anticipation of the Manipur government giving in to the long standing demand for upgrading SADAR and Jiribam subdivisions to full-fledged districts, however has upset these equations radically. This became even more so after the government decided during a midnight cabinet sitting on December 8, to defy the UNC’s coercive protest and created not just the two districts the UNC were opposed to, but seven by splitting seven of the state’s nine districts. The UNC considers four of the seven split districts to be part of the ancestral Naga homeland and were quick to accuse the Manipur government of splitting this homeland, although as the government contends, as to how districts can split people is incomprehensible. This is particularly so because Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies have remained untouched. Nonetheless, the state BJP’s worry now is, amidst the current ethnic polarisation, proximity to the NSCN(IM), an organisation avowed to dismemberment Manipur to form a sovereign Greater Nagaland, and the UNC which many consider to be a surrogate of the former, may alienate its support base in the valley where 40 seats are at stake. The Congress chief minister, Okram Ibobi’s move in this sense may be an electoral masterstroke, not for splintering or otherwise of any homeland, but for leaving its rival BJP caught in an unenviable dilemma. This dilemma is visible in the state’s BJP’s muted response to the blockade question, probably not wanting to offend its Central leadership now holding talks with the NSCN(IM). Under the circumstance, if nothing changes the nature of this polarisation, there can be no doubt the Congress’ position is strong in the valley, and Ibobi and his team may have found a way to overcome the anti-incumbency burden of having been 15 continuous years in power.
Things can however change overnight. The examples of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh should not be forgotten. In Assam the BJP defeated the ruling Congress, but only after managing to woo Congress leaders to its camp before the elections. In Arunachal Pradesh, it was by engineering defection after the election. There is no guarantee the Congress in Manipur is not vulnerable similarly. The BJP which currently seems starved of any charismatic leader capable of shaking up the confidence of the ruling Congress, can still do an Assam in the one and half months before the elections or an Arunachal Pradesh later.
MNDF extends ticket schedule
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The Manipur National Democratic Front (MNDF) has informed that the time schedule for issuing of party tickets for all intending candidates has been extended till January 30, said a release. It further said any candidate interested to apply can contact during office hours between 10 am to 4 pm at MNDF office, Babupara, VIP Colony, Imphal West.
NCP invites candidates
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Manipur state has informed the intending NCP candidates ensuing 11th Manipur State Assembly Election 2017 that the prescribe form for candidature will be available at the office of NCP, Singjamei Super Market, Radheshyam Shopping Complex during office hours, said a release. It further said the last date for form submission of duly filled in forms will be January 30, 2017 up to 4 pm.
Training on EEM
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
The second round of training on Election Expenditure Monitoring for six assembly constituencies of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts was held today at the conference hall of DC, Kangpokpi. The training was chaired by deputy commissioner of Senapati, Arthur C while deputy director (Tourism) and OSD on SVEEP, Election department, Julie Daryal Anal was the resource persons.
All officers and staff constituted under Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), Expenditure Monitoring Team including assistant expenditure observer, flying squad, static surveillance team, video surveillance team, video viewing team, accounting team, complaint monitoring control room and call centre, expenditure monitoring cell, medical team, Control Room and Media Centre of 46-Saikul (ST), 47-Karong (ST), 48-Mao (ST), 49-Tadubi, 50-Kangpokpi (Gen) and 51-Saitu (ST) attended the programme.
BJP first list expected today
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 18
Speculations are rife on possible nominees of BJP in Imphal as the first list is expected to be announced late Thursday evening from New Delhi, according to highly placed sources.
A high level meeting of BJP central leadership is slated to meet tomorrow evening at 5 pm to deliberate on the possible nominees of the party in the ensuing state assembly elections. Poll dates for Manipur have been fixed on March 4 and 8.
Highly placed sources said, BJP state unit president K Bhavananda Singh and state election management committee convenor Thounaojam Chaoba has been invited to Delhi tomorrow to attend the meeting of the Central Parliamentary Board / Central Election Committee sitting to be held at the central BJP office.
Ibobi calls on Rajnath Singh, Centre expresses concern over blockade
The Sangai Express
New Delhi, January 18 2017: On the request of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh met him here today. During the meeting the Home Minister expressed grave concern over the continued blockade of National Highway-2 causing severe difficulties to the people of Manipur specially with regard to availability of essential commodities.
Rajnath Singh further stated that the ongoing blockade is likely to adversely affect democratic process in the forthcoming elections by hampering movement of people, including election officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been making repeated efforts to find a way to have the NH-2 opened, he said.
Blockade may affect poll process in Manipur
The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, January 18 2017: The election process in at least 30 Assembly Constituencies in Manipur is likely to be affected as a key National Highway in the State continues to remain blocked for 80 days due to agitation by a Naga group. The Central Government seems to be in a fix over its limited options in removing the blockade on NH-2 in Manipur as it is not keen to impose President's Rule and the law and order is completely under the domain of the State Government.
"The highway touches directly or indirectly at least 30 Assembly Constituencies.
There will be problems in campaigning, transporting polling officials, EVMs and arranging other logistics," a senior Home Ministry official said.
Election to the 60-member Manipur Assembly will be held in two phases on March 4 and 8. Even though conducting polls is the responsibility of the Election Commission, Central Government is concerned over the crisis of essential commodities and their skyrocketing prices. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior officials discussed the Manipur situation at a meeting on Sunday but could not find out any solution to remove the blockade.
Rohatgi was of the opinion that even though protection of National Highways is Central Government's prerogative, it cannot remove anyone if he or she is staging protest on it as law and order is a "State subject" .
"We are in a dilemma as to what to do to remove the blockade as President's Rule is not a favourable option," the official said.
The Home Ministry has sent around 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 4,000 of them in last 10 days, to Manipur to help the State Government in removing the blockade.
While NH-37 was partially reopened, there is no traffic movement on NH-2.In a stern message, the Centre had told the Manipur Government last month that it cannot escape responsibility for the "humanitarian crisis" arising out of the blockade and must work to end it, while making it clear that nobody will be allowed to take political advantage of the situation.
Home Minister Singh had written twice to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh asking him to ensure reopening of the highway but it did not yield any result. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju too had visited the Congress-ruled Manipur as a Central emissary. Rijiju had said it was completely unacceptable to have such blockades in which thousands of people were suffering and both the Central and Manipur Governments will work together to end it.
Poll painting
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 17
A painting competition will be jointly organised by Editor Guild Manipur, NCO- Gene, Contemporary Artist and Manipur and Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur on January 22 at Kangla Park, Imphal under the theme “Free Fair and Peaceful Election and Ethical Voting”, said a release singed by the secretary of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) L Joy. It further said the association has urged its member schools to send students for the competition from their respective schools.
Trinamool ticket
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| Jan 17
The Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee has issued notification inviting intending candidates who are willing to contest the 11th state assembly election 2017 on Trinamool Congress Party ticket. The notification said, application forms will be available at the party office at Haokip Veng, Mahaballi Road, Sanjenthong, Imphal East from Jan 18 to Jan 31 from 10 am to 4 pm. The last date for submission of the application is February 5, it said.
Local parties line up in Manipur
The Sangai Express / Economic Times
Guwahati, January 17 2017: Regional parties are queuing up to contest the polls in Manipur. Manipur People's Party (MPP), the oldest party in the North East, will will field candidates at 39 constituencies in the 60-member House.
MPP has twice ruled the state. However, in 2012 MPP was not able to win even a single seat. MPP is confident of a good show in this election. Meghalaya's Opposition party National Peoples Party (NPP) will make its electoral debut and will contest in around 25 to 30 seats.
NPP was founded by former Speaker, Late PA Sangma. NPP National executive member and Meghalaya MLA James Sangma said NPP has already constituted a State election management committee.
Union HM invites CM, State Govt opens door to UNC Chief Minister set to leave for Delhi today
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2017: While the State Government has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) to hold a tripartite meeting over the issue of the indefinite blockade, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has invited Chief Minister O Ibobi to Delhi to confer over the same issue. Following the Union Home Ministry's suggestion to hold a meeting between the Government of Manipur and the UNC, the Chief Secretary sent an invitation to the UNC today to hold a tripartite meeting at Imphal.
The State Government has also informed the UNC that the tripartite meeting involving the Government of India would be held on January 23, sources informed. Notably, the UNC imposed the indefinite economic blockade since November 1 last year in protest against the attempt to create and creation of Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts.
Meanwhile, as invited by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister O Ibobi would be leaving for Delhi tomorrow to confer over the issue of economic blockade. The Union Home Minister invited the Chief Minister after a high level meeting was held with many Central Ministers and the Chief of Army Staff on the State's prevailing situation. Governor Dr Najma Heptulla called Chief Secretary O Nabakishore to the Raj Bhavan today and enquired about the UNC's blockade and the State's preparations for the forthcoming Assembly election.
The Chief Secretary apprised the Governor of the scarcity of essential commodities on account of the UNC's indefinite economic blockade. Notably, the Union Home Ministry has already sought a report from the State Government about the militant attack on a convoy of trucks at Lukhambi, Noney district a few days back which left one civilian dead and three others injured.
CHQ told to take specific steps
IMPHAL | Jan 17
High Court of Manipur has directed government authorities to convene immediately a meeting of combined headquarters (CHQ), which is chaired by the chief minister O Ibobi Singh to take decisions to get the blockade lifted. A full bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justice N Kotiswar and Justice Kh Nobin ordered yesterday that the court was not satisfied with the actions taken by the state government to deal with the blockade.
“...We direct the authorities to convene a meeting of CHQ immediately, chaired by the honourable chief minister to take decisions keeping in view the problems surfaced during the period, so that troubled areas along the national highway-2 be identified,” the order said.
Not the time to pass the buck: Busy delivering political points
The Sangai Express Editorial 17 January 2017
It is now obvious to all. No one wants to resolve the ongoing economic blockade, with the Congress and the BJP more keen on delivering political points against each other and the United Naga Council more than ready to continue with the economic blockade. Caught in the middle are the public, the ones who have been directly facing the impact of the economic blockade and it is not at all pleasant. The Assembly election is obviously central to the stand adopted by the two political parties and ancestral land is the cry which has been raised by the UNC and several Naga bodies. If the Congress Government here, under Chief Minister O Ibobi, created the seven new districts, particularly, Kangpokpi and Jiribam districts with an eye on the polls, the BJP at the Centre has been trying to find the weak spot in the armour of the Congress here and in the process is trying to make the Congress pay for it via the sufferings of the people. The political calculation here is simple. Let the UNC continue with the blockade and in the process let the angst of the people turn against the State Government and then reap the dividends when election comes. Or maybe the BJP has a better idea than this, but it all boils down to the Assembly election. On the other hand, the Congress, after creating the seven new districts, wants to pass the baton on to the BJP led Central Government on the pretext that National Highways come under the Centre. Which way the political wind blows, as understood within the parameter of the upcoming Assembly election, remains to be seen, but let it be clear to all that the blame game that one has been witnessing ever since the economic blockade came into force should be seen within the context of the upcoming Assembly election.
Dangerous brand of politics and this is what is unacceptable. The blame game may also be seen in the manner in which the ball has been tossed around in the context of arranging a tri-partite talk between the State Government, the UNC and the Central Government. If the State Government failed to respond to the invitation of the Centre to have a talk with the UNC on November 15 last year at Delhi, this time round, the Centre has not responded to the approach of the State Government to arrange such a talk to bring an end to the impasse. Instead it has deemed it better to let the State Government take the initiative of inviting the UNC to the negotiating table with the Centre acting as the observer or whatever term one may give. Playing politics with the lifelines of the people and there is nothing amusing about this. This is not the time to try and take political mileage out of the situation but for Delhi and Imphal to co-operate and see how to proceed and get the blockade lifted. Not likely that the State Government will roll back the decision to create the new districts and highly unlikely that the UNC will unilaterally take the decision to lift the ongoing economic blockade. The task at hand then will be for the Centre to see how it can negotiate with the NSCN (IM) which in turn can talk with the UNC and see how things may be settled.
Haokip rubbishes Javadekar “outburst”
By B Rakesh Sharma
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 16
Manipur PCC president T N Haokip has dismissed Union human resource development minister, Prakash Javadekar’s demand for chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s resignation on the issue of the economic blockade as “rubbish.” Reacting to the “outburst” by the Union minister yesterday and today against the Congress government in the state Haokip said demanding resignation after announcement of model code of conduct is totally “meaningless.”
“BJP may not be seeing any chance of winning in the upcoming assembly election. Therefore the statement made by Javadekar is nothing but rubbish and absurd. He knows nothing about the ground situation,” Haokip told Imphal Free Press.
Javadekar, who arrived here yesterday to oversee BJP’s preparation for the assembly election, told a press conference yesterday that the chief minister should resign as he has failed to remove the blockade despite more than adequate central forces were provided. Javadekar is the BJP in-charge of Manipur election. Javadekar continued his tirade against Ibobi Singh government for the second consecutive day today.
“Why Ibobi Singh is remaining silent. I am making specific charges on the issue of economic blockade. He is silent because he is guilty and he is a culprit. Earlier he used to react to Union ministers. He is responsible for the sufferings of the people,” the BJP leader said today.
IW continues election exercise
IMPHAL | Jan 16
Imphal Free Press
The District Election Office, Imphal West organised an emergency meeting today with all the district-level officers of the district at the DC’s court hall, said a release. It further said the main motive behind the meeting was to collect the details of the staff/employees under their respective control or offices including EPIC number, Aadhar card, Bank account number and mobile numbers in connection with the ensuing state assembly election 2017.
The DEO, Imphal West Robert Singh Kshetrimayum issued an urgent notice to give the details of all eligible staffs of the line departments that is required for polling personnel per lastest instrucution of the Election Commission of India, the release continued.
PRJA to field 5 candidates
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 15
Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance, PRJA today announced that the party will field candidates in five constituencies in the ensuing Manipur assembly elections.
The candidates are Oinam Iliyash Khan for Lilong A/c, Nazima Phundreimayum for Wabagai A/c, Buwang Kho for Karong A/c, Erendro Leichombam for Thangmeiband and Irom Sharmila from Thoubal Constituency against Okram Ibobi Singh.
Javadekar tells Ibobi: Go, resign
IMPHAL | Jan 15
Imphal Free Press
The Union human resource minister Prakash Javadekar today demanded resignation of Okram Ibobi Singh, accusing him of failing to remove the economic blockade even after “more than adequate” central forces have been provided by the Centre.
“Ibobi government is not using forces provided by the Centre. They are put to barracks. If you can’t deliver, resign. Go, Ibobi go. You can invite President’s rule,” Javadekar, who is also BJP’s Manipur election in-charge, said during a press conference at the BJP head office here today. Javadekar charged that Ibobi led Congress government is playing “divide and rule policy” for electoral gains.
“Ibobi Singh’s poll plank is divide and rule. BJP’s plank is unite and develop. Ibobi Singh and his party are destroying Manipur. Blockades suits Ibobi’s politics,” he charged.
The blockade has only brought sufferings to general public as it has triggered price rise, scarcity of essential commodities and as well as violence, Javadekar claimed. He said in addition to the existing 175 central para-military forces deployed in the state last month the Centre had provided 30 additional para-military forces for removing the blockade. He said that the Centre cannot intervene directly as the blockade is state’s law and order issue.
On the increasing demand for initiation of tripartite talks by the Centre the BJP leader said talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) is the sole responsibility of the state government. The Centre can send representatives to talks between the state government and the UNC, he said.
Stating that when the Centre tried to help by convening a tripartite talk in November Ibobi Singh government did not respond, he said the state government is not cooperative. He however, added that, the Centre is ready to help out the state government on the issue of blockade.
BJP poll panel to meet on Tuesday
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Jan 15
The BJP central election committee will meet on Tuesday in Delhi to finalise the party’s candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections, Union minister in-charge of human resource development and the party’s Manipur election in-charge, Prakash Javadekar told a press conference here today.
Though BJP’s arch rival and ruling party, Congress is in the final stage of finalising its candidates the BJP is yet to initiate concrete steps to finalise party candidates.
“We are holding the state unit’s core committee meeting here tonight. After this the party’s central election committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss Manipur’s ticket issue,” Javadekar said.
It is speculated that the BJP is waiting for finalisation of Congress tickets so as to prevent BJP ticket aspirants to break ranks and seek Congress tickets after some of them are denied party tickets. Each of the 60 assembly seats throws up many BJP ticket aspirants.
The BJP leader expressed the hope that this time BJP will come to power after ending 15 years of Congress “misrule.”
Everyone wants a change in the state of Manipur, Javadekar said promising that BJP will bring positive change with development in Manipur.
NPF to ignore boycott call, contest civic polls
The Sangai Express
Kohima, January 15 2017: The ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) today affirmed not to withdraw any candidate from the February 1 elections to Urban Local Bodies in the State in the face of the boycott call and warning of ex-communications to candidates by different tribal organisations in Nagaland.
Accepting the resolutions of respective tribal organisations, so far 53 candidates out of the 535 validly nominated candidates have withdrawn. The boycott call and warning to candidates have been given against 33 per cent reservation for women in Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. NPF has filed nominations of 255 candidates for the 26 municipal and town council elections but 12 of them have already withdrawn in compliance with the tribal body resolutions.
Extended nominations came to end on January 9 while the last date of withdrawal is January 17. However, the NPF central officials today held a meeting in the residence of its president Shurhozelie Liezietsu and took stock of the situation arising out of the ensuing Municipal and Town Council election in the State.
The NPF officials resolved that the NPF would go ahead with the election process as per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission. Since the tickets of the party were issued to the primary and active membership holders of the party after administering pledge, the NPF resolved that no ticket holder should withdraw from the fray.
Don't hear pleas: ECI to CMs, Ministers of poll bound States
The Sangai Express / Express News Service
New Delhi, January 15 2017: The Election Commission has told Ministers and Chief Ministers of poll-bound States to stop hearing appeals of people till the time the Model Code of Conducted MCC remains in force. It has also instructed the State administrations to prohibit the sale of liquor in shops, restaurants, hotels and at all other places during the polling time.
Moreover, the Poll Panel directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in the five poll-bound States to ask the police brass that cash transfers during the election period be carried out under the protection of cops and that they be kept informed about such movements from banks or currency chests.
The EC, in its directives to the CEOs of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, has cited the standing orders issued by it in this regard even as it appended the recent instructions issued by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Finance Ministry on the subject.
The DFS had said, " The operating procedure for transportation of cash by banks and transfer of currency from one chest to another operated by the banks within the State or inter-State level as laid down in the above mentioned letters shall be followed scrupulously" .
The EC directives on transportation of cash are seen in the backdrop of an incident in poll-bound Tamil Nadu last year, when three trucks carrying Rs 570 crore were intercepted by EC-appointed surveillance teams.
On public hearing by the Ministers or Chief Ministers, the poll panel has said that it has direct or indirect influence on the voters and it might disturb the level playing field.
The Poll Panel was of the view that if any such hearing were found to be necessary, it should be held by the senior officers.
The EC has also said that Dry Day should be declared and notified under the relevant State laws during 48 hours ending with conclusion of the polls.
States, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will go for Assembly polls between February 4 and March 8 and the model code of conduct came into force on January 4 when the EC announced the election schedule.
CEO informs
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2017: Chief Electoral Officer Manipur has informed that voters may check electoral rolls and news related to the ensuing 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election through the website ceomanipur.nic.in.
For getting the information, voters have to register his/her mobile number at the link "Registration for Voter" after opening the website. CEO Office has started preparation to send SMS related information to those mobile numbers registered with the link.
So far, the office has received 300 complaints regarding violation of election code of conduct and electoral rolls.
Don't attend : UNC
The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2017: The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that no Naga should take part in the January 20 meeting between the 'valley based' civil society organisations and Centre's interlocutor for Naga peace talk RN Ravi in New Delhi, reports NNN.
RN Ravi had reportedly sent invitations to 'valley based' civil society organisations on January 3 requesting the organisations to participate in the consultation meeting on the prevailing situation of Manipur to be held on January 20 .
"In case of any Naga taking part in that meeting, and in the event of any opinion expressed or signature appended it will be the participant's sole opinion, and that, he or she does not represent the Naga people," said UNC in a statement.
Election Model Code of Conduct : Use of Loudspeakers for election
No.4/56/ELEC/PR/SAE-2017: The Election commission of India (ECl) vide press NotesNo.ECvpNfitzolT & No. ECI/PN/2/2017 dated 0410112017has announced 2(two) phases of Poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election Schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4ih January,2017 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the state and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned.
Campaigning
A. Use of Loudspeakers for election campaigns' Consolidated instructions
All political parties, candidates and their workers, supporters and sympathizers are using loudspeakers for their electioneering campaigns' These loudspeakers are not only used from fixed rostrums but. are also used mounted/fitted on vehicles like trucks, tempos, cars, taxis, vans, three wheeler scooters, cycle rickshaws, etc. These vehicles move on all roads, streets and lanes and also so around villages, basties, Mohallas, colonies and localities with the loudspeakers broadcasting at very great volume. This results in serious ,noise pollution' and causes great disturbance to the peace and tranquillity of the general public. The student community, in particular, gets seriously disturbed as their studies are badly hampered because the loudspeakers stall blaring from very early hours in the morning and continue to do so throughout the day and till extremely late hours in the night. The aged, the infirm and the sick whether in institutions, hospitals, etc. or at home are also put to severe discomfort'
2.. The Commission is aware that the use of loudspeakers cannot be stopped altogether during the election period as the loudspeakers are one of the means of election propaganda and imparting information to public. But at the same time, indiscriminate and unfettered use of loudspeaker at odd hours and at odd places at very high volumes which have the effect of disturbing peace and tranquillity and causing annoyance to the general public, the sick, and the student community in particular cannot be permitted. Some reasonable restrictions are essential.
3. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Commission, in exercise of its powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and all other powers enabling it in this behalf and in supersession of its earlier instructions, hereby DIRECTS that the use of loudspeakers at all future elections shall be strictly regulated as follows:-
(i) The use of loudspeakers, whether fitted on vehicles of any kind whatsoever, or in static position used for public meetings for electioneering purposes, during the entire election period starting from the date of announcement of election and ending with the date of declaration of results shall be permitted only (a) between 6.00 a.m. and 11.00 p.m in rural areas i.e. areas outside corporation or municipal Limits: and (b) between 6'00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. in other areas, i.e. areas falling within corporation or municipal limits.
(ii) All loudspeakers whether used for general propaganda or for public meetings or procession, and whether used on moving vehicles or otherwise' shall be used during the restricted hours only mentioned in clauses (ii) above and never beyond.
(iii) All loudspeaker being used beyond the hours as prescribed above, shall be confiscated along with all the apparatus connected with the use of these loudspeakers.
(iv) All political parties, candidates and any other persons using any loudspeakers on moving vehicles including but not restricted to trucks, tempos, cars, taxis, vans, three wheelers, Cycle rickshaws, etc' shall intimate the registration identification number of those vehicles to the authorities getting permission to use the loudspeakers and such registration identification numbers of the vehicles shall be indicated on the permits granted by the authorities concerned'
(v) Any vehicle on which a loudspeaker is used without the said written permit shall be confiscated forthwith along with the loudspeaker and all the apparatus used along with it.
(vi) All political parties, candidates and even other person using any loudspeaker either on a moving vehicle or at a fixed place shall intimate -
(1) the Returning Officer of the Constituency, and
1)j local police authorities, in writing, the full details of the permits obtained by them before using any of those loudspeakers' in the case of loudspeakers, the registration identification numbers of the vehicles shall also be registered by them with the Returning Officer and the local Police authorities'
(vii) lt shall be the responsibility of the state Government authorities granting permits for use of loudspeakers and the local Police authorities to strictly enforce that no loudspeaker is used by anyone in violation of any of the above directions,
4. No loudspeakers fitted on vehicles of any kind or in any other manner whatsoever shall be permitted to be used during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll in any polling area' Even after the close of poll proper law and order is required to be maintained till completion of election after the declaration of result. Use of loudspeakers is generally regarded as source of public nuisance and can often give rise to tension in a politically surcharged atmosphere. The District Administrations should, therefore, consider any application for permission to use loudspeakers after the aforesaid prohibitory period of 48 hours, on merit of each application and keeping in view the need to maintain proper law and order till the completion of election.
B. Restrictions on presence of political functionaries in a Constituency after the Campaign Period is over
Under Section 126 of the' Representation of the People Act, 1951, in the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll, the campaign will come to an end.
2. During the course of campaign in bye -election, the political parties mobilize their supporters, including from outside the constituency of poll, in order to bolster that campaign. In view of the fact that the closure of campaign period no camping period no campaign can take place within the constituency, presence of political functionaries/party workers/procession functionaries/campaign functionaries etc., who have been brought from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency, should not continue to remain present In the constituency aS their continued presence after campaign ends may undermine the atmosphere for free and fair poll.
3. Hence the Commission has directed that after the campaign period is over, the district election administration/police administration shall ensure that all such functionaries leave the constituency immediately after the campaign period is over, This shall be brought to the notice of all political parties, candidates and their agents in order them to comply'
4. The Commission further directs that in order to ensure that the above instruction is carried out, the election administration/police may take all necessary measures which may include:
1. Checking of kalian mandapams/ community halls etc., where such people ire kept housed and find out whether the outsiders have been accommodated in these Premises.
2, Verification of lodges and guesthouses to keep a track of the list of occupants.
3. Set up check-posts in the constituency borders and track the vehicular movement from outside the constituency.
4. Verify the identity of the people/group of people in order to find out whether they are voters or not and establish their identity.
(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur
No.4/56/ELEC/PR/SAE-2017: The Election commission of India (ECl) vide press Notes No.ECltPNlll2olT & No. ECI/PN/2/2017 dated 0410112017has announced 2(two) phases of Poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4in January,2017 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the State and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned'
A. On Govt. Scheme and Welfare Programmes:
1. The following types of existing works can be continued by the government agencies without reference to the Election Commission after the Model Code of Conduct comes into force:
a. Work-projects that have actually started on the ground after obtaining all necessary sanctions;
b. Beneficiary-projects where specific beneficiaries by name have been identified before coming of the Model Code of Conduct into force;
c. Registered beneficiaries of NREGA may be covered under existing projects. New projects under NREGA that may be mandated under the provisions of the Act may be taken up only if it is for the already registered beneficiaries and the project is already listed in the approved and sanctioned shelf of projects for which funds are also already earmarked
2. There shall be no bar to release of funds for the completed portion of any work subject to observance of laid down procedures and concurrence of finance department.
3. The following type of new works (whether beneficiary or work oriented) that fulfill all the following conditions before Model Code of Conduct comes into effect, can be taken up under intimation to the commission.
a. Full funding has been tied up. b. Administrative, technical and financial sanctions have been obtained c. Tender has been floated, evaluated and awarded and
d. There is contractual obligation to start and end the work within a given time frame and failing which there is an obligation to impose penalty on the contractor
e. In case of any of the above conditions not being met in such cases prior approval of the Commission shall be sought and obtained.
4. Global tenders already floated, can be evaluated and finalized where any time limits are specified for such purpose'
5. Tenders other than global tenders, that are already floated may be evaluated but not finalized without prior approval of the Commission. lf they are not already floated, they shall not be floated without prior approval of the Commission.
6. Commission invariably takes a humanitarian view on the work that are necessitated due to man-made or natural calamities'
a. Ex-gratia payments and gratuitous relief in the aftermath of a disaster can be given directly to the persons affected at the current rates/scales of assistance presently in force, under intimation to the Commission. No change in the extant and prescribed scales of payments, however, shall be made in the existing rates/scales without prior permission of the Commission'
b. Payment directly to the hospitals from CM's/PM's Relief Fund, in lieu of direct cash payment to individual patients (beneficiaries) will be permissible without reference to the Commission.
c. Emergent relief works and measures that are aimed to mitigate the hardships, directly and solely, of the persons affected in a disaster may be taken up under intimation to the Commission.
d. However, new works that may be necessitated by way of preventive measures to mitigate the likely effects of natural disasters like repair of embankments, water channels etc, can be taken up only with prior permission of the Commission.
e. Also. an area shall not be declared droughVflood affected or any such calamity affected without prior approval of the Commission. The extent of area already declared to be calamity-effected cannot be expanded without prior approval of the Commission.
f. Similarly, any selective assistance to a group of persons from the PM's or the CM's Relief Fund will require prior approval of the Commission'
7. The following type of activities will require prior permission of the Commission:
a. New works and project cannot be taken up from discretionary funds of whatever nature. Discretionary fund, in this context, includes funds, which are provided for in the budget in a generic manner and for which no identified and sanctioned project exists prior to Model Code of Conduct coming into effect.
b. Proposals for revival of sick PSUs, governmental take over of enterprises etc. (or any policy decision on similar lines) cannot be taken up'
c. Fresh auctions of liquor vends etc. cannot be held even if the annual auction time falls within the Model Code of Conduct period. Where necessary, the government should make interim arrangements as provided in their respective laws.
d. Area of operation of any existing project/schemeiprogramme can not be extended or exPanded.
e. No land allocation shall be made by the government to any entity, whether individual or an enterprise'
f. Signing a MOU or an agreement where the government is a party will also require prior clearance by the Commission.
B. Regular recruitmentiappointment or promotion through the UPSC, State public Service Commissions or the Staff Selection Commission or any other statutory authority can continue. Recruitments through non-statutory bodies, will require prior clearance of the Commission'
9. While starting any work (including any relief work) or developmental activity no formal function shall be held involving any politicalfunctionary.As a matter of good practice, normal functions and publicity even with the presence of official functionaries should be kept to the minimum.
10. Where works are to be undertaken orfunctions are to be held in fulfillment of international commitments, prior concurrence of the Commission shall be taken.
11. All Government of India references to the Election Commission of India shall be made preferably through the Cabinet Secretariat. ln so far as reference from State Governments is concerned, the same shall be made to the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state concerned.
B. Samadhan: lt is a Public Grievance Redressal System used in connection with Revision of Electoral Rolls and conduct of Elections. Every complain received both online or offline, is capture in this application software. Since its use in the state last month, 361 complaints have been registered out of which 336 have been disposed of and 25 are pending .
(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur
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